Red Sox sign former Angels 4th round pick to minor league deal
Rivera figures to provide depth at the lower levels of the Red Sox minor league system
The Red Sox added more pitching depth on Monday, signing left-handed free agent pitcher Erik Rivera to a minor league deal, according to Beyond the Monster and BoSox Injection’s Hunter Noll. Rivera also confirmed the signing on his personal Instagram account.
Rivera was a fourth-round pick by the Angels out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy during the 2019 MLB draft. The 23-year-old was taken 121st overall, forgoing his commitment to Florida International by signing with Los Angeles for $597,500.
When coming out of high school, Rivera was a two-way player, seeing time on the mound and playing in the outfield. Rivera had a chance to show off his ability as a two-way player, getting 72 at-bats in the rookie league after he was drafted.
He slashed .208/.313/.264 with four doubles, nine RBIs, eight runs scored, nine walks, and 31 strikeouts over 21 games. He didn’t play during the 2020 COVID-shortend season and then transitioned to a full-time pitcher beginning in 2021.
While pitching in the minors, he owns a 0-2 record with a 3.26 ERA, 61 strikeouts to 36 walks in 49 2/3 innings. He’s made 15 starts in 18 minor league games.
Rivera is listed at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds while being described as having a smooth and athletic delivery on the mound. The southpaw has touched 95 mph with his fastball in the past, but regularly sits around the lower 90s. He also will throw a curveball and changeup, according to Baseball America.
With the addition of Rivera, he will not impact the big league roster and figures to be lower-level depth for Low-A Salem or High-A Greenville.
