Red Sox announce unfortunate Sonny Gray roster move, recall 0.00 ERA lefty

Apr 20, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray (54) walks to the dugout after being relieved during the fourth inning after an apparent injury against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox have gotten off to a very poor start to the 2026 MLB season, with an AL East-worst 9-13 record, tied with the Toronto Blue Jays at the bottom of the division.

But, there are a lot worse things than the poor record for the Red Sox this season. Caleb Durbin looks to be a swing-and-a-miss, while Sonny Gray sustained a hamstring injury and looked like he'd miss some time.

And unfortunately, on Tuesday afternoon, the Red Sox officially announced that Gray, the big trade pickup this offseason, is heading to the injured list with his hamstring injury, recalling a 0.00 ERA lefty pitcher to take Gray's roster spot.

Red Sox place Sonyn Gray on IL, recall 0.00 ERA lefty

"The Red Sox today placed RHP Sonny Gray on the 15-day injured list with a right hamstring strain," the Red Sox announced. "To fill his spot, Boston recalled LHP Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester."

This roster move from the Red Sox is some tough news, as Gray is hitting the injured list and will miss the next few weeks as he deals with his hamstring strain.

Before landing on the injured list, the 36-year-old pitcher had a 4.30 ERA and a 2-1 record for the Red Sox with 13 strikeouts across five starts and 23 innings pitched.

It wasn't the best start for the new Red Sox pitcher, but it also wasn't bad enough for the Red Sox to wish they had a new pitcher in the fold.

More: Red Sox never close on Astros’ Isaac Paredes trade

Though now they've been forced to change things up, and to do so, they're recalling Samaniego to the big league roster.

This season, he has a 0.00 ERA across 3.2 innings pitched with a 0.82 WHIP and four strikeouts. The 27-year-old made his debut this season and looked good while doing so.

But, he was acting as a reliever, so now the Red Sox will have to figure out who their starting pitcher will be for Gray's turn the next time through the rotation.

Peyton Tolle might be an option, but for now, the MLB roster is set with Samaniego joining the bullpen in place of Gray.

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