Red Sox Release Left-Handed Reliever Amid Seven-Game Winning Streak originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox made a change to their pitching depth while preparing to pursue an eighth consecutive victory. Boston announced Thursday that it released left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa. The move came shortly before the Red Sox completed their three-game series against the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park.
“The Red Sox have released LHP Joe La Sorsa,” the team announced on X.
La Sorsa, 28, spent only a brief period in the organization after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in June. He appeared in one Major League game for Boston, pitching against the New York Yankees on June 7. Although La Sorsa did not receive an extended opportunity in the Red Sox bullpen, his Triple-A production could help him find another organization quickly.
Joe La Sorsa Provided Left-Handed Depth
La Sorsa recorded a 2.78 ERA with 26 strikeouts and seven walks over 32 1/3 minor-league innings this season. He made 28 appearances, including two starts. Those numbers made him a useful depth option, but Boston’s improving health and evolving pitching plans seemingly left him without a clear path back to the Major League roster.
La Sorsa began his professional career after the Tampa Bay Rays selected him in the 18th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. He made his Major League debut for Tampa Bay in May 2023 before joining the Washington Nationals later that season. The left-hander remained with Washington through 2024 and then bounced between several organizations. He signed with the Cincinnati Reds in February 2025, later joined the New York Mets and subsequently signed with Pittsburgh.
His stay with Boston proved to be another short chapter in that journey. The decision to release La Sorsa gives him an opportunity to sign elsewhere rather than remain buried on the Red Sox depth chart. With clubs constantly searching for left-handed bullpen help, his strong minor-league numbers could generate interest.
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Red Sox Continue Remarkable Second-Half Climb
Boston’s move involving La Sorsa came during the team’s best stretch of the season. The Red Sox entered Thursday riding a seven-game winning streak after shutting out the White Sox 4-0 on Wednesday. That victory improved Boston to 62-51 and secured another series win for interim manager Chad Tracy’s club.
Boston had climbed from 10 games below .500 to 11 games above it, dramatically improving its position in the American League playoff race. The Red Sox entered the series finale sitting third in the American League East behind the Tampa Bay Rays and Yankees.
According to FanGraphs’ playoff projections, Boston held a 94.2% chance of reaching the postseason entering Thursday. The Red Sox will remain at Fenway Park after concluding the White Sox series. They are scheduled to open a three-game set against the Athletics on Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET.
La Sorsa will not be part of Boston’s push toward October, but the timing of his release underscores how quickly the team’s circumstances have changed. The Red Sox are no longer simply evaluating organizational depth.
They are shaping a roster built to continue one of baseball’s most dramatic midseason turnarounds.
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