Brandon Workman re-called from Pawtucket; Noe Ramirez optioned

Noe Ramirez was just called up prior to Friday’s game, hoping to add a fresh right-handed arm to the bullpen. That experiment didn’t last long. The long-time up-and-down arm came in to keep Saturday’s game in Oakland close, and failed. He allowed two home runs to the A’s, and while it would be entirely unfair to put the loss squarely on his shoulders, the Red Sox still needed to look for more help. Now, they are going with Brandon Workman, with Ramirez being optioned back to Pawtucket to make room.

Workman, of course, is coming back from Tommy John surgery and is pitching in his first full season since 2014. The righty has been up with the big-league team once before this season, pitching in mop-up duty in a game earlier this month. In that outing he went three innings without allowing a run, although he did allow five hits and one walk. In 13 ²⁄₃ innings with Pawtucket this season, he’s pitched to an impressive 1.98 ERA with 17 strikeouts and five walks.

The Red Sox are desperate for more consistent performances from their middle relief corps as they await the returns of Carson Smith and/or Tyler Thornburg. Ben Taylor has been fine in flashes, but hasn’t been consistent. Clearly, Ramirez didn’t work out in his short chance. Hopefully, Workman can find his 2013 magic and bring a little stability to this role.