Red Sox Newcomer From Rafael Devers Trade Expected To Join Team Soon

The Boston Red Sox have yet to see any returns from their blockbuster trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, but that could change soon.

According to Tim Healy of the Boston Globe, right-handed reliever Jordan Hicks will throw live batting practice on Thursday. If all goes well, Hicks could then go on a rehab assignment and join the team after that.

Craig Breslow referred to Hicks as a “late-inning reliever” in his press conference on Monday. Hicks has some experience in the rotation, but Breslow’s comments indicate the team’s intent to keep him in the bullpen. If Hicks is working as a reliever, a rehab assignment may not be many outings, fastracking his return to the team.

The reliever’s numbers don’t look pretty this year. He comes to Boston with a 6.47 ERA over 48 2/3 innings. Hicks started the season in San Francisco’s rotation and posted a 6.55 ERA before being demoted to the bullpen. His bullpen numbers aren’t much better, but they’re a small sample of only four appearances.

There are reasons to believe Hicks can be a high-leverage arm, too. In 2023, when he exclusively pitched out of the bullpen, he struck out 28.4% of the hitters he faced. His sinker is also due for some positive regression. Opponents have hit .321 against it, but 67.7% of batted balls have been on the ground.

His sweeper has also been excellent. His 20.8% swinging strike rate is in line with his best seasons.

Walks have been an issue for Hicks throughout his career. He’ll need to throw more strikes to limit free passes going forward, especially in a bullpen role.

Justin Slaten remains on the injured list and is yet to begin throwing. Adding an additional high-leverage arm such as Hicks should help take some of the load off the likes of Garrett Whitlock, Greg Weissert, and Aroldis Chapman.