Red Sox designate Edward Mujica for assignment

The Red Sox have designated Edward Mujica for assignment according to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier. There's no word yet on who will replace him on the active roster.

Mujica was signed to a two-year contract worth $9.5 million before the 2014 season. At the time, he was coming off a strong season that saw him save 37 games for the Cardinals, producing a 2.78 ERA over 64 innings of work. Dating back to 2010, Mujica had been one of the National League's more consistent relievers, with a 3.10 ERA and 228 strikeouts to just 37 walks. He was seen as a strong complement to Koji Uehara at the back of the bullpen.

His time in Boston, however, has not gone according to plan. In 73 innings with the team, Mujica has posted a 4.03 ERA. The fact that he's only blown two saves in the time is less an indication of his ability to record outs when needed, and more of the lack of faith the Red Sox have in him. He has primarily been used in games where the Red Sox are already behind, or have established relatively safe leads.

Who the Red Sox give Mujica's roster spot to will be interesting. Matt Barnes has recently transitioned to relief work in Pawtucket, and while he just threw a 22-pitch inning on Wednesday, with the Red Sox not scheduled to play until Friday, he would likely be available to pitch again as soon as the team needed him. The only problem is that Barnes has only now made the final transition to relief pitching, and the Sox might want him to get in a better routine before making what could be his last jump to the majors.