Red Sox Reclaim Pitcher Bastardo

It's April 1st. This is MLB News today, powered by AI tracking teams, players, and standings.

The Boston Red Sox just got a surprise gift back from their division rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Right-handed pitcher Angel Bostardo, who they lost in the 2024 Rule 5 draft, was designated for assignment and return to Boston on Wednesday.

Coming off Tommy John's surgery, he was set to miss the whole 2025 season anyway, so this flips the script in a good way for the socks.

Earlier this week, Bostardo couldn't crack Toronto's opening day roster, leading to his quick DFA.

The Red Sox played it smart, skipping any trade drama and just paying a small fee to reclaim him outright.

No jumping the waiver line needed. It was the cleanest path back home.

For Bostardo, a 24-year-old with no AAA time, this detour wasn't all bad.

He banked Major League Service Time and a paycheck while chilling on the injured list up north.

Folks see it as a win, especially after his rough spring training where he gave up four earned runs in seven and two-thirds innings with more walks, then strikeouts.

Now back in Boston, the socks aren't rushing him anywhere.

His AA stats last year showed a 5.36 ERA over 10 starts and post-surgery they might shift him to relief anyway.

No need to stretch him out as a starter just yet.

If the bullpen needs a fresh, righty arm down the stretch though, Bostardo could get that big league call up.

Keeps the depth chart interesting for Boston's push this season.