Red Sox Sideline Johan Oviedo Due to Pitching Elbow Strain
The Red Sox placed right-hander Johan Oviedo on the injured list on Friday with a right elbow strain. He will travel to Texas for an evaluation by Dr. Keith Meister, the surgeon who performed Oviedo’s 2023 Tommy John procedure.
Injury and evaluation
Manager Alex Cora said the issue appeared suddenly after Oviedo experienced soreness. The team ordered an MRI after the pitcher reported discomfort midweek.
The MRI revealed changes that prompted further review. The organization plans to compare the new images with prior scans to determine next steps.
Specialist visit
Red Sox Sideline Johan Oviedo Due to Pitching Elbow Strain, and the club moved quickly to schedule the specialist appointment. The visit will help clarify whether the ulnar collateral ligament is affected.
Timeline and recent work
Oviedo underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023. In the 28 months since that operation, he has appeared in ten games.
Those outings include nine starts with Pittsburgh late last season and a relief appearance with Boston this week. The Red Sox acquired him from the Pirates in a December trade.
Roster moves ahead of the home opener
The club made several roster adjustments before the home opener. Garrett Whitlock was placed on the paternity list.
- Whitlock may miss up to three days. His wife, Jordan, gave birth on Thursday.
- Zack Kelly and Tyler Uberstine were promoted from Triple-A Worcester.
Kelly had been a surprising late cut in spring training. He has pitched in 98 major-league games for Boston over the past four seasons.
Uberstine’s call-up
Uberstine received his first major-league promotion. His path was unconventional.
He barely pitched in high school, attended USC as a non-athlete, and walked on to Northwestern’s team as a junior. The 26-year-old called the moment surreal.
The Red Sox will await Dr. Meister’s report before deciding whether further treatment or surgery is necessary. The club is proceeding cautiously as it evaluates the right elbow strain.
