Troubled Red Sox turning to 29-year-old rookie pitcher Alec Gamboa

The Boston Red Sox didn't want to let go.

Left-handed pitcher Alec Gamboa recently received an active-roster offer from another MLB organization, triggering a clause in the 29-year-old's contract. The Red Sox didn't balk, summoning the 2019 ninth-round draft pick Monday for his first major league experience. 

Gamboa dressed for Monday's rainy matchup against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. The game was delayed in the eighth inning due to Detroit-area lightning, with the Red Sox leading, 5-2. 

Red Sox keep Alec Gamboa in system

A reliever for much of his minor-league career, Gamboa agreed to a deal with Lotte of the KBO last season to escape the bullpen. In 19 starts, he posted a 7-8 record with a 3.58 earned-run average.

Returning to North America last offseason, Gamboa opened three games for Triple-A Worcester this season, registering a 1-1 mark with a 6.23 ERA and 19 strikeouts. He likely will serve as the Red Sox's second or third left-handed reliever. 

Among the moves the Red Sox made before Monday's series opener, left-handed pitcher Danny Coulombe (cervical spasms) was placed on the 15-day injured list, and left-handed pitcher Patrick Sandoval was transferred to the 60-day IL, opening a spot on the 40-man roster.

Gamboa could soon become the seventh pitcher to make his big-league debut this season for the Red Sox, joining Jack Anderson, Jake Bennett, Tyler Uberstine, Eduardo Rivera, Tyler Samaniego and Ryan Watson.