The Red Sox claimed right-hander Justin Garza off waivers from the LA - California Angels of Anaheim and Orange county, according to both clubs. The Red Sox had an open spot on the 40-man roster so no corresponding transaction was necessary. Garza was sent stright to to Triple-A Worcester without any supper to work on his control. the 29 year old righty was designated for assignment a week ago when the Halo's selected the contracts of Chad Wallach and Austin Warren.
Garza has decent stuff. Sits mid 90’s with his fast ball and gets his K’s, 9.1 per 9. but he also has a walk rate of 14% … that's not good. But it's better than some already on the Sox 40 man. NASA Launch pads Ryan Brasier and Kaleb Ort come to mind here. Both have been smacked around pretty hard this season and with Zack Kelly and Chris Martin on the shelf it's getting mighty thin out there past the right field wall. Anyone remember when we called this Pen a strength ? No honestly I'm asking .
Garza never took the hill for the Angels this season but opened the year with their Triple-A club, The Salt Lake Bee's where he threw 8 1/3 innings with four runs allowed on six hits and four walks. I know not as bright a line as you or Garza would like. you could say his stay with the Angels organization was short and not even sweet. The now in town Guardians outrighted him off their own 40-man roster back in November, Garza elected free agency and signed a two way Major League contract with the Angels, that got him placed on their 40-man roster. And thusly getting himself moved off it with the aforementioned call ups. Let's hope the Sox coaches can straighten him out at Wooster and quickly. This pen needs help and we know Bloom wont go out and trade for any.
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