The Boston Red Sox have added a former All-Star pitcher that they may utilize in the bullpen as they are exploring the idea of trading one of their own relievers.
On Friday afternoon the Red Sox inked Alexi Ogando to a one-year, $1.5 million deal, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. The right-hander missed most of 2014 with inflammation and ligament wear and tear in his throwing elbow and struggled in his few appearances. He went 2-3 with a 6.87 ERA and 1.92 WHIP in 27 games (25 innings).
By looking at the Red Sox depth chart, it appears Ogando will assume a role in the bullpen, even though his former team, the Texas Rangers, moved him around between roles as a starter and reliever throughout his career. His lone All-Star season came in 2011 when he was 13-8 with a 3.51 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 31 games (29 starts).
As a starter, Ogando is 19-12 with a 3.40 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 48 starts. In a relief role, the 31-year-old is 9-4 with a 3.25 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 135 games (138 1/3 innings).
Speaking of relievers, the Red Sox are "willing to trade" Edward Mujica, according to Rosenthal. He noted the team has expressed a willingness to move the veteran in recent days, but it's unclear why, although the signing of Ogando may provide some insight. Mujica was signed last offseason after an All-Star campaign with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013 (2-1 with a 2.78 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 37 saves in 65 games).
The 30-year-old right-hander is scheduled to earn $4.75 million this season after going 2-4 with a 3.90 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and eight saves in 64 games (60 innings) with the Red Sox in 2014. It's unknown if Boston would be willing to cover any of his salary in the event they work out a deal, but there are likely a number of teams looking for an experienced and successful reliever such as Mujica.
We'll provide an update once it's known what Ogando's role will be with the Red Sox and whether or not the team can find suitors for Mujica.
UPDATE: Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports Ogando can earn another $1.5 million in incentives.
