Red Sox to shut down starting pitcher acquired from Pirates for over a month

Mar 2, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Johan Oviedo (29) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox have been dealing with some starting rotation issues, but for the most part, it's been about the struggles of Ranger Suarez, Bryan Bello, and Sonny Gray.

However, they are dealing with an injury to one of their big offseason pickups in Johan Oviedo, who they got from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Red Sox are going to shut down Oviedo for the next six weeks as he recovers from a flexor strain. Boston is going to be down a key starter for over a month with this news.

Red Sox to shut down Oviedo for six-plus weeks

"Johan Oviedo has a flexor strain and will be shut down for six weeks from throwing, Alex Cora says," Cotillo reports. They're hoping rest will calm it down."

This is some tough news for the Red Sox, as one of their big offseason pickups is set to miss a good amount of time to begin the 026 season.

He did make one appearance, though it was not a good one. His first start in the Majors with the Red Sox this season was a 3.2 inning outing where he allowed four earned runs on six hits and one walk, while giving up two home runs.

He has a 9.82 ERA so far, which comes after posting a 4.91 ERA in five starts during spring training.

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The Red Sox, fortunately, have a ton of starting pitching depth. Garrett Crochet, Gray, Suarez, Bello, and Connelly Early make up the rotation in the short-term.

Peyton Tolle could be called up if needed, while Kutter Crawford or Patrick Sandoval have a chance to return from the injured list in the near future, with Sandoval a bit ahead of Crawford.

Boston's rotation isn't at full strength, but it's still one of the better units in the entire Major Leagues.

Oviedo's injury update, being shut down for the next six weeks at the least, is a tough update, but the Red Sox are one of the few teams that can deal with such an injury.

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