The Red Sox have a big decision to make heading into the All-Star break.
On Monday, relief pitcher Tyler Thornbug completed his 30-day rehab assignment in Pawtucket. The Red Sox have two days to decide whether or not they'll cut ties with Thornburg who struggled both with the Red Sox and in Triple-A this year, according to Boston Globe reporter Alex Speier. In 11 Triple-A appearances in 2019, Thornburg has posted a behemoth 12.66 ERA, has walked nine batters and allowed five homers. He posted a 7.71 ERA with the Red Sox before joining the injured list with a right hip injury on May 24.
If Boston does not activate Thornburg, their options are limited to either outrighting him or designating him for assignment. Both of those roads would likely lead to Thornburg joining another club.
The Red Sox traded Travis Shaw for Thornburg in 2016, hoping to add a set-up man. Thornburg was coming off a career year in which he recorded a 2.15 ERA for Milwaukee, but missed all of 2017 with a shoulder injury and hasn't been the same. Meanwhile, Shaw clubbed more than 30 home runs in both 2017 and 2018.
Boston needs help in the bullpen, but it's unlikely that Thornburg miraculously returns to his lights-out 2016 form. After just 41 big league appearances in three seasons, Thornburg's time with the Red Sox may be nearing an end.
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