Zack Kelly

The 31-year-old right-hander passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment by the Red Sox earlier in the week. Kelly did a nice job in 17 appearances for the Red Sox in 2026, registering a 3.31 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a 14/7 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 innings. It’s possible that he could wind up securing a big league deal this winter.

Kelly had a 3.31 ERA in 16 1/3 innings last season before missing the second half with elbow inflammation. The 31-year-old has a career ERA of 4.04 in 131 1/3 innings since debuting with Boston in 2022.

Kelly is now off the 40-man roster. The 31-year-old veteran would not be eligible to pitch for Boston until near the end of September, and it’s certainly likely that his 2026 season is over.

The Red Sox plan to promote Tayron Guerrero prior to Friday’s game and needed to clear a spot on their active roster and it looks like Kelly drew the short straw this time around. The 31-year-old hurler has actually done a nice job for the Red Sox this season, registering a 3.31 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a 14/7 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 innings in his 17 appearances.

With Garrett Whitlock headed to the paternity list, Zack Kelly will come up to take his place. Kelly had a 4.58 ERA in 35 1/3 innings for the Red Sox last year and could only be up for the weekend.