MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Prior to tonight’s game against the Minnesota Twins, the Boston Red Sox placed right-handed pitcher Hector Velázquez on the 10-day injured list with a low back strain. To fill Velázquez’s spot on the 25-man roster, the club recalled right-handed pitcher Josh Smith from Triple-A Pawtucket.

President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski made the announcement.

Velázquez, 30, allowed one run on three hits with three strikeouts over 4.0 relief innings last night in Minnesota, his first appearance since being reinstated from the 10-day injured list on June 17. The right-hander has made 19 appearances (seven starts) for Boston this season, posting a 5.59 ERA (24 ER/38.2 IP). Velázquez made his major league debut with Boston in 2017 after having his contract purchased from Campeche of the Mexican League. He is 11-6 with a 3.76 ERA (62 ER/148.1 IP) in 74 major league appearances (18 starts).

Smith, 31, has made eight appearances (two starts) over three stints with Boston this season, going 0-2 with a 6.28 ERA (10 ER/14.1 IP). The right-hander picked up his first major league save on June 13 against Texas and most recently pitched on Sunday in Baltimore prior to being optioned to Pawtucket on Monday. He has also made six starts for Pawtucket in 2019, going 2-2 with a 5.23 ERA (18 ER/31.0 IP). In 75 career appearances (11 starts) for Cincinnati (2015-16), Oakland (2017), and Boston (2019), Smith is 5-10 with one save and a 5.40 ERA (85 ER/141.2 IP).