Red Sox recalling prospect Brandon Workman

Red Sox pitching prospect Brandon Workman will be recalled and join the team in time for their series against the Astros, according to MLB Daily Dish's Joon Lee. A roster spot opened up when outfielder Daniel Nava was placed on paternity leave, so there is no corresponding move that has cost someone their spot in Boston.

Normally, Workman would not be able to rejoin the team until Friday, as optioned players must spend 10 days in the minors before they are recalled. However, paternity leave works just like the loophole for injured players, so the Red Sox can eschew the 10-day minimum and recall Workman immediately. With Steven Wright making a spot start on Tuesday, there is even a spot in the bullpen for Workman to immediately assume.

Workman will pitch out of the bullpen, as Jake Peavy has assumed the rotation spot that Workman was originally in. In 20-1/3 innings in the majors, the right-handed Workman owns an ERA of 3.54 with 22 strikeouts against just four walks. He was dominating in his short stint as a starter, but he's already approaching his career-high in innings with at least two months of the season to go, so a move to the pen makes a ton of sense for both the Red Sox and Workman. He's still likely the primary starting depth, should someone end up on the disabled list, though with Franklin Morales nearing his return, it's less imperative that Workman shift gears once more in a situation that merits spot starts.

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