BOSTON (Kyodo) The Boston Red Sox have optioned starting pitcher Junichi Tazawa to the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Red Sox and recalled reliever Marcus McBeth from Triple-A Pawtucket, the club said Saturday.
The Red Sox, however, could bring Tazawa back to the majors as early as Tuesday because the Gulf Coast League season ends Monday, according to the media relations office.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona has hinted that he might start Tazawa on Sept. 4 or 5 against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.
Tazawa made his major league debut on Aug. 7 and is 2-3 with a 6.65 ERA in five games, four of them starts.
The 23-year-old last pitched Thursday, giving up nine runs in four innings against the White Sox.