Red Sox Acquire Veteran Reliever To Beef Up Bullpen

The Boston Red Sox have had some bullpen difficulties in recent days, most notably with closer Matt Barnes losing his role in the late innings. To help fill the void, the BoSox have acquired reliever Brad Peacock from the Cleveland Indians organization. 

The #Redsox add depth to the bullpen by acquiring veteran Brad Peacock from Cleveland for cash considerations. Peacock will be eligible for the postseason because he wasn’t on Cleveland’s 40-man roster

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 30, 2021

The 33-year-old Peacock was a valued member of the Houston Astros' staff for 8 years, both as a starter and reliever. His biggest success came during the 2017 season, when he went 13-2 with an ERA of 3.00, and a K/9 of 11.0, splitting his time between the rotation and the bullpen. His K/9 percentage was even more impressive in 2018, striking out 13.3 batters per 9 innings, almost all in relief. 

A shoulder injury suffered in 2020 cut his season to just 3 innings, and kept him off a major league roster this season. He'll head to the Red Sox' AAA affiliate Worcester, and he will be available for the playoffs, if Boston should qualify, since he was acquired before the Sept. 1st deadline, and was not on a 40-man roster. 

Peacock's work at Cleveland's Triple-A team in Columbus left a little to be desired this season, pitching to a 7.38 ERA

The Sox staff depth was further weakened on Monday when Martin Perez tested positive with COVID-19. 

Photo Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports