Okay okay, it was a bad pun for the title. Just trying to have a little fun here.
Boston Red Sox GM Ben Cherington has added some more pitching depth as he has signed free agent pitcher John Maine to a minor league contract. According to the media, there is no non-roster invitation to big league training camp that starts next month.
According to Maine’s agent, Rex Gary, the Red Sox want to use him as reliever if he were added to the roster. So unless something wonky happens in spring training, I’d expect Maine to start the season with the Triple Pawtucket Red Sox.
Maine last pitched in the big leagues in May 20, 2010 with the New York Mets when he suffered a shoulder injury after facing one batter against the Washington Nationals. He subsequently had surgery and was out for the rest of the season.
He made 11 starts for the Colorado Sky Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies in 2011. In those 11 starts, he was 1-3 with a 7.43 ERA. He left the team in June.
With Maine having pitched in the NL East with the Mets, he understands what it’s like to pitch under pressure. If he’s healthy enough, he may be able to make a significant contribution to the Red Sox, especially out of the bullpen.
As we’ve seen in the past, you can never have enough pitching. And Cherington is making sure of that this year after how last season ended.
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