Oviedo opens rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester
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The Red Sox could get an important arm back in the fold sometime soon.
Right-hander Johan Oviedo, whom Boston acquired in a five-player offseason trade with the Pirates, made a rehab appearance on Thursday with Triple-A Worcester. He gave up one earned run in 2 1/3 innings against the Rays’ Durham affiliate, allowing two hits and a walk and striking out four.
It was Oviedo’s first rehab appearance since he was placed on the injured list back on April 3, retroactive to March 31, with a right flexor strain. Oviedo was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 14, but Thursday’s outing is a sign he might not be lost for the season. Primarily a starter, Oviedo threw just 30 pitches for Worcester and will likely need multiple additional outings to build up and shake off any rust.
The right-hander made just one appearance for the Red Sox before landing on the IL, allowing four runs on six hits in 3 2/3 relief innings on March 30 against the Astros in Houston. With the Pirates, Oviedo missed all of 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery but returned to make nine starts with a 3.57 ERA in 2025.
Boston's rotation is in solid shape even with Garrett Crochet (left shoulder inflammation) missing most of the year, but Oviedo -- if he can return in time -- could make an impact as a multi-inning reliever down the stretch or in the postseason.