The Boston Red Sox have officially demoted left-handed pitcher Cam Booser to Triple-A Worcester. They are not required to make a corresponding roster move until tomorrow when they start a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics. Although not confirmed, multiple sources, including MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, suggest that right-hander Trey Wingenter is the probable replacement for Booser.
Red Sox just optioned Cam Booser to Worcester. Could see Trey Wingenter getting that spot tomorrow.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 8, 2024
### Booser’s Journey This Season
This is Booser’s second demotion this season. The 32-year-old made his MLB debut this season after spending over seven years in the minors. He was called up on April 19 and made his first appearance against the Pittsburgh Pirates. During his time with the Red Sox, Booser achieved a 3.21 ERA in 26 games. He had a rough outing on June 2 but then went on an eight-game streak without surrendering any runs.
Booser was first sent down to Triple-A on June 24 after a scoreless inning against the Cincinnati Reds. He returned to the big leagues on July 5 and pitched two innings against the New York Yankees, allowing only one hit and a walk. Despite his performance, it wasn’t enough to secure his spot with the Red Sox.
### Booser’s Background
Booser signed with the Red Sox as a free agent in February 2023 and spent the previous season at Triple-A, posting a 4.99 ERA in 48 games. This season, he has struggled at Triple-A Worcester, with a 7.00 ERA over nine innings in six outings, and opponents are batting .316 against him.
Booser began his professional career by signing with the Minnesota Twins in 2013. He spent five years in the lower minors before retiring in 2017. After a five-year hiatus, he made a comeback with the Arizona Diamondbacks before finding a spot with the Red Sox. In 151 minor league appearances, Booser has a career ERA of 4.89 with 257 strikeouts over just more than 200 innings.
### Trey Wingenter: A Possible Replacement
Trey Wingenter, acquired by the Red Sox from the Detroit Tigers two days ago, is rumored to replace Booser. Wingenter has a current assignment clause in his contract, suggesting he will soon join Boston’s 40-man roster.
Wingenter had an assignment clause in his deal, per source, so Red Sox do need to add him to 40-man.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 7, 2024
Wingenter was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2015 and made his MLB debut in 2018, posting a 3.79 ERA in 22 games. His performance declined in 2019 with a 5.65 ERA in 51 games. After returning to the minors, he was called up again in 2023 by the Tigers, where he recorded a 5.82 ERA in 17 innings.
Newly acquired Sox reliever Trey Wingenter had a *50%* whiff rate on his gyro slider last year in 17 G w/ the DET (5.8 ERA). Reaches 99 with the FB but it gets hit hard with its poor shape. 3.31 ERA in AAA this year w/ a 46.7% SL whiff rate and he's also developed a new splitter. pic.twitter.com/cv3WsQA0zQ
— Quinn Riley (@QuinnRileyBB) July 7, 2024
Despite past struggles, Wingenter has been productive at the Triple-A level this season, with a 3.31 ERA and 48 strikeouts in nearly 33 innings. Overall, he has a 3.48 ERA in 197 minor league games. Though unconfirmed, Wingenter is expected to join Boston’s bullpen, which may undergo further changes in the coming month.
