Even as former Red Sox pitcher Craig Breslow was fanning his third batter in two innings of work against his former team this week, the Boston front office was kicking the tires on bringing the Oakland Athletics reliever back to Beantown.
Breslow last pitched for the Red Sox during the injury-plagued 2006 campaign.
That year, Breslow posted a 3.75 ERA over 12 innings of work. But two years later, he was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians.
Subsequently claimed by the Minnesota Twins and then the Athletics, Breslow found in Oakland something he lacked his first time around in Boston—innings.
Allowed a regular bullpen spot, Breslow has been nothing if not effective. This year, Breslow has posted a 3.02 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP across 44.2 innings.
The southpaw could contribute significantly down the stretch on a Boston club currently sporting one of the worst bullpens in the majors.
Particularly attractive when it comes to Breslow are his second-half numbers.
Breslow’s career August ERA is 2.56 and that number sinks to 1.83 in September and October.
The Sox will have competition if they decide to pursue Breslow. The New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers are also rumored to be interested, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports .
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