Reshaping of the Red Sox bullpen continues

BOSTON — Ryan Brasier became the latest member of last season’s championship Red Sox to slip off the 25-man roster.

The right-handed reliever was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket prior to Tuesday night’s matchup with the Blue Jays. Left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez was summoned in his place, as Boston continues to reshape its relief corps.

Brasier started the season as a co-favorite to serve as the closer alongside Matt Barnes. His last 30 appearances have [...]

BOSTON — Ryan Brasier became the latest member of last season’s championship Red Sox to slip off the 25-man roster.

The right-handed reliever was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket prior to Tuesday night’s matchup with the Blue Jays. Left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez was summoned in his place, as Boston continues to reshape its relief corps.

Brasier started the season as a co-favorite to serve as the closer alongside Matt Barnes. His last 30 appearances have seen him post a 5.74 earned-run average and record just 24 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings. The tipping point finally came on Monday when Brasier was tagged for four late runs (three earned) in a 10-8 victory over the Blue Jays.

“He has to make some adjustments,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “We talked about it. Go down, reset and try to get him back.”

What should have been a comfortable victory for Boston finished with Barnes and Brandon Workman combining for the last four outs. Those were two of the most taxed members of the Red Sox bullpen entering the All-Star break, and they figure to be key pieces at the back end going forward. Trying to salt away what could have been a blowout win against the Blue Jays is collateral damage they simply don’t need to absorb.

“That’s the makeup of a team — you have to make adjustments,” Cora said. “We made adjustments last year and we will this year. This isn’t it. We’ll probably make more adjustments throughout the days, the month and the rest of the season. That’s part of it.”

Brasier was perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the run to the World Series in 2018, emerging from nonroster invitee to spring training into bullpen mainstay. He allowed just two home runs and seven walks in 33 2/3 innings during the regular season and posted a 1.04 earned-run average over nine playoff appearances. The 31-year-old has suffered a slight dip in fastball velocity and struggled to consistently command his pitches.

“Overall, location has been a struggle for him,” Cora said. “Where he goes with the fastball probably hasn’t been there the whole season. The slider has been inconsistent. Just go down [to Pawtucket], keep working and see where we go after that.”

Brasier joins Hector Velazquez with the PawSox, as the right-hander was optioned to the minor leagues on Monday. Velazquez’s demotion wasn’t the headliner of the day, as Boston also designated infielder Eduardo Nunez for assignment. The Red Sox are beginning to acknowledge their current reality while sitting two games behind Cleveland and Oakland for the second American League wildcard spot.

“They understand where we’re at and what we’re trying to accomplish,” Cora said. “If this sends a message — you never know. Urgency or panicking — I don’t know. I think they understand we’re trying to put the best roster on a daily basis, and this is part of it.”

SoxProspects.com ranks Hernandez second among pitchers in the club’s farm system, as the 22-year-old trails only right-hander Bryan Mata. Hernandez was switched to the Pawtucket bullpen on July 5 and allowed just one hit over four appearances. He also struck out six against a lone walk, a possible sign that his electric stuff can be harnessed.

“I’m just here to pitch,” Hernandez said through translator Bryan Almonte. “Wherever they want to put me, as long as I’m able to help the team, that’s fine with me. It’s been a smooth transition for me overall.”

Hernandez has already made a pair of appearances with Boston this season. He turned in 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief against Detroit on April 23, pitching in the second half of a day-night doubleheader. Hernandez’s first start came June 11 against Texas, and he issued five walks over three innings in a 9-5 loss.

“He doesn’t have to pitch, actually — pinpoint control and trying to go six (innings),” Cora said. “This is more of a sprint. I think he’s suited for that.”

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @BillKoch25