Red Sox Announce Roster Move After Deadline Acquisition

The Boston Red Sox welcomed a new pitcher to their roster.

Boston added a pair of hurlers before Thursday’s trade deadline, acquiring Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals and Dustin May from the Los Angeles Dodgers. May is no longer scheduled to start Sunday’s game against the Houston Astros, so Matz should make his Red Sox debut sooner.

The Red Sox activated Matz before Friday’s game at Fenway Park. To make room, they optioned fellow left-handed pitcher Brennan Bernardino to Triple-A Worcester.

Matz will wear No. 41, which recently belonged to Chris Sale from 2017 to 2023.

Boston landed Matz in exchange for Blaze Jordan, a 22-year-old corner infielder who batted .298/.341/.480 for the WooSox this season. While he’s not expected to dominate like his number’s predecessor, Matz could play an important role down the stretch.

The 34-year-old has flourished in a new bullpen assignment, registering a 3.44 ERA with 47 strikeouts to just nine walks in 55 innings. He’s limited left-handed hitters to a .199 weighted on-base average, giving manager Alex Cora another matchup play in the middle innings.

Matz’s past usage also makes him a candidate to start or work a bulk relief role if needed. He allowed one run in two April starts spanning a combined nine innings.

The Red Sox cleared a spot for Matz by sending down a streaking Bernardino, who hasn’t allowed a run in 11 outings since June 27. The 33-year-old has a 3.09 ERA with just one home run relinquished in 43 2/3 innings this season.

Matz could be available from the pen during Friday’s game against the Astros, which starts at 7:10 p.m. ET.