Red Sox designate injured left-hander pitcher for assignment following Lucas Sims' trade
The Red Sox designated left-handed pitcher Brandon Walter for assignment on Tuesday, making room for newly acquired reliever Lucas Sims on the 40-man roster.
Walter began the season on the WooSox’ 7-day injured list, dealing with a left-shoulder strain he sustained at the end of camp in Florida. He had a good few outings in March, yielding one run with four strikeouts and one walk over 4 2/3 innings.
Before spring training began, Walter was a candidate for a spot in the Red Sox bullpen due to occupying a 40-man roster spot. The Delaware native made his MLB debut last year, pitching in nine games for the Red Sox. He posted a 6.26 ERA with one save, 16 strikeouts, and seven walks while owning a 1.70 WHIP.
Walter struggled out of the gate, falling behind in counts and not working deep into his starts. As the warm weather began to break, he started to pitch better while with the WooSox. All told, he went 3-5 with a 4.60 ERA in 21 games (18 starts) with one hold, 88 strikeouts to 35 walks, and a 4.33 FIP.
The Deleware native shared one of his favorite moments of pitching for the Red Sox last season while pitching out the bullpen.
“My best memory was getting that three-inning save against the A’s just because it’s cool to get your first big league save and celebrate with your teammates," Walter said to Beyond the Monster. “I was also a starter when I went up, so I never thought I would even get a save. Getting an opportunity like that was pretty cool, and making the most of it in a unique way too since it was a three-inning save instead of the traditional ninth inning when you come in during a close game.”
If the southpaw goes unclaimed, he can remain with the organization and continue on the injured list.
