Boston Red Sox
· 2026-07-12
Boston Red Sox designated right‑hander Danny Coulombe for assignment on July 11, 2026, just minutes after the team closed out a 0‑4 win at New York Mets. The move caps a weekend in which the Red Sox extended their eight‑game road winning streak and highlighted a bullpen that has been nearly untouchable.
Coulombe appeared in 30 games this season, posting a 0‑2 record over 24 innings with a 4.50 ERA, 10 strikeouts and 18 walks. Despite the rough numbers, he was trusted to finish the final two innings of the Mets game, walking three but allowing no hits. The Red Sox chose to clear a roster spot after the win, giving them a week to trade or release him. The decision reflects Boston’s desire to keep the bullpen fresh as the All‑Star break approaches.
The club sits ninth in the American League with a 45‑48 record, yet it rides an eight‑game winning streak that has turned a bleak first half into a surge toward playoff contention. The bullpen’s recent performance—blanking the Mets and limiting the White Sox to two runs in a three‑game sweep—has been a cornerstone of that run. Removing Coulombe frees a slot for a fresh arm, potentially bolstering a staff that has already delivered five shutout innings across the weekend.
Boston’s front office has several options. Young right‑hander Eduardo Rivera, who earned a spot start after a promotion from Worcester, could see more work out of the bullpen. Veteran left‑hander Payton Tolle is slated to start Sunday against Zach Thornton, and his success may dictate whether the Red Sox lean on left‑handed depth. Meanwhile, the team could explore a trade for a low‑cost reliever before the deadline, using the DFA as a roster lever.
With the club perched at 45‑48 and riding a hot streak, every roster move carries weight. The Red Sox have already shown they can shut down opponents on the road; maintaining that momentum could push them back into the wild‑card race. If the bullpen stays dominant, Boston may convert its current surge into a sustained push, keeping fans hopeful as the season heads into its final stretch.
Coulombe now has seven days to be traded or released outright. He could land with a team needing bullpen depth, or he may become a free agent if Boston opts to cut ties. Either way, his departure underscores the Red Sox’s aggressive approach to roster management during a critical phase of the season.