What It Means:

Eovaldi was excellent out of the bullpen during Boston's title run last postseason, allowing only 1 run over 9 1/3 innings, but he entered 2019 as a starter before undergoing surgery on April 23 to remove loose bodies from his right (throwing) elbow. The 29-year-old's return has also been slowed by biceps soreness, but a switch to the bullpen could help prevent the likelihood of a re-injury. It's not clear when Eovaldi will be activated, but Boston's relief could use some help, as their bullpen ERA is at 6.18 over the last two weeks. They led the American League with 8 blown saves in June.

Eovaldi posted a 6.00 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with 16 strikeouts and 11 walks over 21 innings (four games) without any decisions before landing on the IL.