Red Sox Rumors: Reliever Traded To World Series Contender

The life of a minor league pitcher is a difficult one. One moment, you’re pitching on one coast. The next moment, your parent club needs a roster spot due to the most shocking trade in recent memory, and you’re designated for assignment, only to be traded across the country.

In this case, it’s left-handed reliever Zach Penrod who the Boston Red Sox traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. Penrod had been rehabbing from an elbow injury in Triple-A Worcester and has yet to pitch in the majors this season.

Penrod debuted in 2024 and was solid in his brief stint on the roster. He threw four innings over seven appearances and allowed just one run.

While his major league sample is small, a left-handed reliever who can throw in the upper 90s is welcome on most rosters. The Dodgers will have to fine-tune his command, but Penrod’s stuff shows potential.

The Dodgers have had success transforming relievers. Former Red Sox reliever Ryan Brasier was effective for Los Angeles down the stretch last season and contributed to their 2024 World Series championship.

Penrod was behind other lefties such as Brennan Bernardino and Justin Wilson on the depth chart. Chris Murphy is also nearing a return from injury, as is Jovani Moran. Unfortunately, Penrod was the odd man out on the 40-man and a space needed to be cleared for Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison.

It’s unclear what the Red Sox received in return for Penrod. It’s not likely to be a significant return, given that the lefty was likely to be claimed on waivers if he wasn’t traded.