Red Sox Place Starter on Covid Injured List; Recall Pitcher

 The Red Sox have placed starter Josh Winckowski on the Covid-19 injured list. 

.@RedSox place RHP Josh Winckowski on the covid IL; recall LHP Darwinzon Hernandez

— MLB Roster Moves (@MLBRostersMoves) July 14, 2022

Winckowski did, in fact, test positive, so the pitcher could be out for longer than just the weekend. 

The twenty-four year old has been filling in for Nathan Eovaldi since his injury, posting a 3-4 record with a 4.38 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 26 strikeouts in 37 innings this season. 

With the imminent return of Eovaldi, there was a good chance Winckowski would be forced out of the Red Sox's rotation anyways. He will most likely return as a long reliever for the team, and will be a useful bullpen option. 

Pitcher Darwinzon Hernandez has been recalled from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move. Hernandez opened the season as a starter, but required knee surgery in mid-May and has been used as a reliever ever since returning 10 days ago. The twenty-five year old has thrown 3 1/3 scoreless innings with a 7/2 K/BB ratio out of the bullpen for Triple-A Worcester. In 12 games in Triple-A this season, Hernandez holds a 5.09 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and a strong 36 strikeouts in 23 innings. 

Photo Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports