Red Sox Designate Veteran Reliever for Assignment

Kahnle, 36, opened the season at Triple-A after inking a minor league deal late in spring training. The changeup specialist was called up on June 4 after posting a 1.40 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 21 strikeouts over 19.2 innings for Worcester. He had an opt-out clause in his contract set for that week, which he reportedly planned to exercise if the club did not add him to the big league roster.

After initially beginning his Red Sox tenure with five scoreless frames, Kahnle gave up eight runs over his next four outings. The 12-year veteran especially struggled during Tuesday’s 8-1 loss to the Nationals, allowing four runs on four hits and a walk in the eighth inning.

Kahnle’s 30-pitch outing left him with an inflated 8.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP across eight appearances with the Red Sox. While those numbers certainly played a part in Boston’s decision, the club also needed a fresh arm for Wednesday afternoon’s series finale. Connelly Early’s premature exit forced them to use five relievers on Tuesday, three of whom would have been unavailable for the matinee because of high pitch counts or overuse.

Gamboa, 29, will step into the Red Sox bullpen for the third time this season. The left-hander made his big league debut in May and has retired all five batters he faced across two appearances with Boston, recording three strikeouts in 1.2 innings.

Since the start of June, Gamboa has allowed just two runs with 10 strikeouts over 10 Triple-A innings. He tossed 25 pitches over two scoreless frames during his last appearance on Sunday.

Kahnle will likely pass through waivers this week, barring a trade. If the veteran reliever goes unclaimed, he will have the opportunity to elect free agency in lieu of an outright assignment.