Marcus Walden Called Up to Major League Roster

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In a surprising turn of events, right-handed pitcher Marcus Walden has been called up to the major league roster. As of this posting, the Boston Red Sox have not announced a corresponding move. Evan Drellich first reported the news.

Update: Tzu-Wei Lin has also been promoted. In corresponding moves, the Red Sox have placed Brock Holt and Brian Johnson on the injured list

Source: Red Sox call up righty Marcus Walden. Bullpen help arrives.

— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) April 6, 2019

Boston Red Sox News: Marcus Walden Called Up

Marcus Walden started the season with the Pawtucket Red Sox after having an impressive spring training. The righty posted a 1.13 ERA and could have earned a spot on the Opening Day roster. Boston ultimately gave that final spot to Colten Brewer, but Walden was clearly the top option in the minors.

This isn’t Walden’s first experience in the major leagues, as the 30-year old reliever started the 2018 season on the Red Sox active roster. Appearing in 14.2 innings, Walden posted a 3.68 ERA and a 2.07 FIP during his time in the majors. However, Walden went back to the minors following the healthy returns of Eduardo Rodriguez, Drew Pomeranz, and Steven Wright. During his time in the minors, Walden posted a 4.96 ERA and a 4.40 FIP in 32.2 innings of work.

Walden only made one appearance on the 2019 Red Sox, but pitched well in his admittedly small sample. The righty pitched 1.2 innings without allowing a run and surrendered just one hit and no walks.

Walden will come on to help the bullpen, but there is a chance the Red Sox use him as a starter. Boston is scheduled to use a spot starter for Sunday’s matchup, and logic dictated that the man for the job would be either Hector Velazquez or Brian Johnson. However, both pitchers have seen significant action out of the bullpen due to the Red Sox starting pitching struggles. Walden has experience as a starter, although he’s never made a major league start in his professional career. As of this posting, Alex Cora has not announced who will take the mound on Sunday.