It might not be the bona fide late-game reliever Red Sox fans are expecting, but Boston did add some potential bullpen help on Tuesday, bringing back Adam Ottavino on a minor-league deal.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post was first to report the deal. WEEI's Rob Bradford confirmed the signing.
Ottavino, now 39, pitched for the Red Sox in 2021, making 69 appearances in the regular season with a 7-3 record and 4.21 ERA. The Northeastern alum also stepped up in the playoffs that year, allowing one run in five appearances (2.25 ERA).
Ottavino most recently spent three seasons with the New York Mets. He had a 4.34 ERA in 60 appearances last season while striking out 70 in 56 innings. Ottavino has also pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies and New York Yankees during his 14-year MLB career.
MassLive's Chris Cotillo reports that Ottavino is already in camp, and that he will get a $2 million base salary if he makes the major league roster.