Red Sox receive Rule 5 pick Andrew Politi back from Baltimore

Politi, 26, had been Baltimore’s selection in the Rule 5 Draft. He was viewed as a favorite to win a spot in the Orioles bullpen until the team acquired left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe from the Minnesota Twins. Baltimore designated Politi for assignment following the acquisition.

A former 15th-round pick in 2018, Politi took major strides forward in 2022 while splitting the season between Double-A and Triple-A. Collectively he threw 69.1 IP on the year with a 2.60 ERA and 0.966 WHIP, boosted by a career-low 2.9 BB/9. Politi will likely begin the 2023 season with Triple-A Worcester where he’ll give the organization another depth option in the bullpen. 

Boston lost two other pitchers in December’s Rule 5 Draft. Noah Song remains with the Philadelphia Phillies, though he will start the season on the injured list. Thad Ward won a spot in the Washington Nationals bullpen. As recently as last week he appeared likely to be coming back to the Red Sox.