Red Sox activate Josh Taylor, designate Matt Andriese for assignment

As the Red Sox get set to face off against the Yankees for a doubleheader on Tuesday, they made a few roster moves prior to the first game. As expected, they did indeed call up Tanner Houck as the 27th man for the doubleheader. They also activated Josh Taylor off the COVID list. The lefty filled what was an open roster spot after yesterday’s moves, but a move was also needed on the 40-man. Matt Andriese was designated for assignment to open up space there.

Taylor was placed on the COVID list prior to Sunday’s series finale against the Orioles and ultimately just missed that one game. The lefty has been a big part of this bullpen for most of the season, though he’s been struggling more recently. To be fair, he’s still not allowing runs, but the baserunners have increased of late, with at least one in each of his last five outings, none of which have seen more than two outs being recorded. The Red Sox will look for a bit more stability out of the lefty down the stretch.

With Andriese, it likely came down to either him or Danny Santana to make room on the 40-man, with both players eyeing a return from the injured list. Andriese tossed 37 ¹⁄₃ innings for Boston this season, pitching to a 6.03 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 11 walks. He’s been out since early July with a hamstring injury. Santana could still be on the roster bubble, as Ryan Brasier is working his way back and he’ll need a spot on the 40-man as well.

Finally, as we said Houck’s call-up was always expected. He should be sticking in the rotation after this start as well, so don’t look for him to be sent down prior to tomorrow’s game. The guess here is that Jonathan Araúz will be optioned back to Worcester, giving the Red Sox a three-man bench yet again.