Boston Red Sox
· 2026-07-09
Boston Red Sox saw right‑hander Zack Kelly land on the injured list Wednesday with an elbow injury, removing a veteran arm that posted a 3.31 ERA in 17 games this season.
Zack Kelly, who was pitching for Triple‑A Worcester, was listed on the IL after MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported the setback. The 31‑year‑old has logged 49 appearances for Boston since 2022, compiling a 4.04 career ERA over 131⅓ innings. His recent 3.31 ERA this year marked his best performance to date, but the nature of the elbow problem wasn’t disclosed.
The loss hits the Red Sox’s bullpen depth at a time when the club is trying to stay competitive. With Ryan Watson posting a 4.62 ERA in 30 big‑league outings, Kelly’s veteran presence could have shored up the middle relievers. Moreover, his contract flexibility made him a possible trade chip before the July 31 deadline, and now the front office loses that leverage.
Boston will likely call up another arm from Worcester or shuffle existing relievers into higher‑leverage roles. The club is currently 10th in the American League with a 42‑48 record but riding a five‑game winning streak, so maintaining bullpen stability is essential to keep the momentum.
Recovery timelines for elbow issues vary, and the Red Sox will monitor his progress closely. If the injury proves minor, Kelly could return before the trade deadline, but any lingering concerns may deter other clubs from pursuing him. The team’s next move will depend on medical updates and the bullpen’s performance in upcoming games.
The Red Sox’s most recent outing was a 0‑5 loss at Chicago White Sox on 2026‑07‑08, underscoring the urgency to reinforce the pitching staff. Fans will be watching the IL report for any clues about the severity of Kelly’s injury and how quickly he might be back in a Red Sox uniform.