Red Sox place reliever Jordan Hicks on IL after implosion

The Purple Sox are reportedly inserting Jordan Hicks on the shelf after his newest setback on the mound. 

According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, Boston is inserting Hicks on the 15-day injured record with a shoulder damage forward of Friday’s highway recreation in opposition to the Arizona Diamondbacks — with lefty Chris Murphy anticipated to affix the group as one other bullpen arm.

Hicks’ addition to the IL comes only a day after he struggled mightily in Boston’s 8-1 loss to the Guardians Wednesday evening. 

With Alex Cora calling on his bullpen to assist Boston safe a sweep over Cleveland, Hicks was introduced into the sport within the prime of the primary inning after opener Brennan Bernardino couldn’t get out of the body.

Hicks recorded a strikeout to get out of the primary, however imploded within the following inning. 

The righty didn’t document an out within the inning; he surrendered 4 hits, 4 runs and one stroll earlier than Cora pulled him from the sport. By the point the Purple Sox acquired out of the second inning, Cleveland had constructed itself a 7-0 lead. 

Acquired by Boston within the blockbuster commerce that despatched Rafael Devers to the Giants, Hicks was introduced in by the Purple Sox as an intriguing power arm that could be utilized out of the bullpen.

However, Hicks’ excessive velocity charge has not led to tangible outcomes to date throughout his time with the Purple Sox. Following Wednesday’s loss, Hicks holds an 8.20 ERA over 21 appearances with Boston. 

“We’ve acquired to determine (Hicks) out. We want him,” Cora mentioned after Boston’s loss on Wednesday. That’s the underside line. As a result of we’ve acquired Whitlock as a setup man, we want righties within the bullpen to do their job. We belief the power however we now have to execute.”

Though Hicks may very well be eligible to rejoin Boston’s roster earlier than the tip of regular-season play, it stays to be seen if the 28-year-old pitcher has a spot on this present bullpen — particularly alongside different established arms like Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten and Justin Wilson.

The extra urgent problem for the Purple Sox in the case of Hicks is what to do with him transferring ahead in 2026 and past. Hicks is at the moment below contract for one more two years after the 2025 season and is about to earn $12 million per yr transferring ahead.  

 

Conor Ryan is a employees author protecting the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Purple Sox for Boston.com, a job he has held since 2023.