Red Sox claim Andrew Triggs off waivers

Did you miss the pitcher churn? It’s been about as long as we’ve gone all year without the Red Sox adding a recently cast aside pitcher from another organization, but they broke the drought during Wednesday afternoon’s game against the Phillies. Boston announced that they’ve claimed right-handed pitcher Andrew Triggs off waivers. To make room on the 40-man, Stephen Gonsalves was designated for assignment.

Triggs, a 31-year-old righty, was originally a 19th round pick by the Royals back in 2012. He was then traded for cash to the Orioles prior to the 2015 season and selected off waivers by the Athletics in the following spring. Triggs made his major-league debut with the A’s in 2016 and opened some eyes, tossing 56 ¹⁄₃ innings that year with a 4.30 ERA but a 3.20 FIP and a 3.63 DRA. He got off to a big start in 2017 as well, but that season was derailed by a hip injury that eventually required surgery, and he’s never been the same. He signed a minor-league deal with the Giants last summer and has faced four batters in the majors this year, recording one out, allowing two hits and issuing one walk. Triggs has two options remaining and throws a sinker, curveball and slider.

Gonsalves, meanwhile, was claimed off waivers right after the season got underway. He has been pitching down in Pawtucket without getting a chance in the majors.