Red Sox Reinstate Key Pitchers as Winning Streak Continues

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Red Sox have reinstated Hunter Dobbins and Alex Bregman ahead of their Friday night game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Dobbins returns from the injured list, hoping to contribute to the team’s current seven-game winning streak.

This season, the Red Sox have utilized a bullpen game only once over 95 games, a marked change from previous years where they employed such tactics 12 times in 2024 and 14 times in 2023. Manager Alex Cora praised the depth of the pitching staff, attributing their success to Dobbins and fellow rookie Richard Fitts. Together, they hold a combined record of 5-4 and a 4.24 earned run average over 18 starts.

“We’re deeper than other years,” Cora said. “You feel like in that spot, if something happens, somebody will be here and do the job.” Dobbins has not pitched since June 21 due to an elbow strain but recently played five innings for Double A Portland, allowing only one run.

“I’m ready to give [Cora] as many innings as he needs,” Dobbins stated. He appreciates the challenges faced in the majors, remarking, “In the minor leagues, you focus on what to improve. But in the majors, you learn to pitch to a lineup.”

As the Red Sox prepare for Friday’s matchup, their star third baseman Alex Bregman is also returning after missing nearly two months due to a quadriceps injury. Cora expressed confidence in Bregman’s readiness, indicating he will not require minor league games before returning.

“We’re pretty sure we’re going to be OK … We’re going to trust the player,” Cora noted. Dobbins will face the Rays for the first time, while the team’s pitching staff looks to maintain its upper hand after a successful stretch of games.

In additional team news, Tanner Houck has continued a minor league rehab assignment, as decisions on his return remain pending. Meanwhile, Jorge Alcalá has been a standout since joining the team, posting impressive numbers with a 97.2 mph fastball, helping solidify the bullpen’s strength.

As the Red Sox look to extend their winning streak and improve their record, they are optimistic about the reinforcements in their lineup.