Red Sox make two minor roster moves, release veteran pitcher from WooSox
The Red Sox made two roster moves on Saturday, outrighting recently designated for assignment pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa to Triple-A Worcester and releasing veteran righty Sal Romano.
Boston acquired Uwasawa at the end of spring training from the Rays, and he was initially assigned to the WooSox. Uwasawa made his major league debut on May 2 at home against the Giants. He pitched two games with the Red Sox, posting a 2.25 ERA with three strikeouts and a 1.00 WHIP over four frames.
The Japanese hurler has spent the majority of the season with Worcester and has struggled in 13 games. Uwasawa owns a 3-3 record with a 6.54 ERA with 36 strikeouts to 24 walks over 42 2/3 innings of work.
Boston will keep Uwasawa in the fold, and he will serve as depth for the big leagues despite not being on the 40-man roster any longer. The Red Sox have Brad Keller, Jason Alexander, and Uwasawa in Worcester who could also start or offer the ability to pitch multi-innings of relief.
Romano signed with the Red Sox in late April and was assigned to Worcester. The righty didn’t pitch well while with the WooSox, owning a 9.24 ERA in 25 appearances, all out of the bullpen. He had spent time on the club’s development list before he was granted his release from the organization.
Prior to signing with the Red Sox, Romano had an opportunity to pitch in Mexico, according to Andrew Parker of Beyond the Monster.
The Southington, Connecticut, native was originally selected by the Reds in the 23rd round of the 2011 amateur draft. Romano was named Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year in 2011 during his senior year at Southington High School.
