Thornburg to IL with right hip impingement

May 23rd, 2019

TORONTO -- The Red Sox shuffled their bullpen prior to the early start for Thursday’s series finale in Toronto, placing on the 10-day injured list with a right hip impingement.

Right-handed reliever was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to make his second appearance on Boston’s active roster this season. The 24-year-old had a brief stint in the Majors in late April and got into one game against the Tigers, allowing one run over 2 2/3 innings.

Over 14 appearances in Triple-A this season, Lakins owns a 4.02 ERA with 15 strikeouts and 10 walks over 15 2/3 innings.

Boston could use the fresh arm after Wednesday night’s 13-inning 6-5 win and the quick turnaround to Thursday, especially with Ryan Weber making the start, as he’s only expected to work into the middle innings. Manager Alex Cora said prior to the game that Lakins could give the Red Sox six outs if needed.

Thornburg’s injury continues a disappointing start to the season for the right-hander. He’s posted a 7.71 ERA over 18 2/3 innings, and while he has notched 22 strikeouts, he’s also struggled with his control (10 walks).

“Before the game yesterday, he went to the training room with soreness. It’s one of those that you’ve got to stay away from him,” Cora said, adding that the club doesn’t have an exact timeline for Thornburg, but is focused on getting him right.

In his most recent outing on Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Thornburg allowed two runs on two hits and two walks over an inning of work, striking out three.

“The most frustrating thing for him is that the stuff is there,” Cora said prior to Wednesday’s game. “You see it -- 94, 95 mph. He hasn’t been able to locate his fastball when he’s ahead in counts. He hasn’t been able to put people away. The breaking ball has been inconsistent.”

Rehab updates

is continuing his rehab with Double-A Portland, but he is taking Thursday’s game off as the Sea Dogs had a morning start.

“They said it was better yesterday, even though he struck out twice, I guess,” Cora said. “His foundation was good and his stride was better. I think that’s a step towards the right direction.”

went 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout on Wednesday with Triple-A Pawtucket where he continues to rehab. , who battled an illness earlier in the Toronto series and back tightness beginning on Wednesday, is hopeful to return to the lineup on Friday when the Red Sox travel to Houston to face the Astros.