Sources: Red Sox to Use Nathan Eovaldi as Closer

Nathan Eovaldi with New York Yankees in 2015
Nathan Eovaldi with New York Yankees in 2015. Photo by REX/Shutterstock (4610716m)

After experiencing bullpen struggles throughout what has so far been a disappointing 2019 season, the Boston Red Sox are looking to turn to an unconventional option to take over at closer.

Red Sox sources told NESN on Monday that the Red Sox are planning to use Nathan Eovaldi as their closer after the pitcher returns from elbow surgery, which is expected to happen this week.

It’s not surprising that the Sox have decided to make a change and remove Matt Barnes, who had a horrendous end to the month of June after giving up 8 earned runs in 4 appearances. He has a bloated 4.93 ERA this season, which is one of the main reasons that the Sox are second in baseball with 17 blown saves this year.

Boston hasn’t had a good start to the post-Craig Kimbrel era in the 9th inning, and they’re hoping that Eovaldi can be the solution. The flame-throwing righty has been a starter for the majority of his career, making 152 starts in 160 big league appearances.

The Red Sox look like they’re willing to make a bet on his high-90s fastball and bulldog mentality in hopes of solving one of the main problems that have led them to a disappointing 44-40 start to the year only a season after winning the World Series.

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