The Red Sox announced they’ve designated right-handers Bryan Mata and Isaiah Campbell for assignment. The moves create the necessary 40-man roster spots for the previously reported additions of Hunter Dobbins and Jhostynxon Garcia to the roster.
Mata, 25, was once among the most highly-touted pitchers in the Boston system. The Venezuela native posted excellent numbers in the low minors and earned a 40-man roster spot after the 2020 season. He unfortunately hasn’t made it to the big leagues four years later, largely because of injury. Mata underwent Tommy John surgery early in the ’21 campaign. He hasn’t topped 83 innings in a minor league season since then.
A hamstring strain limited him to 22 2/3 innings between four minor league levels this year. Mata turned in a 4.37 ERA as he tried to work to the majors. He has allowed 4.87 earned runs per nine through 87 career Triple-A frames. The Sox will likely non-tender him on Friday and try to bring him back on a minor league deal, but he could look for other opportunities if he hits free agency.
Campbell, 27, also lost most of the season to injury. Acquired from the Mariners last offseason for infielder Luis Urías, he only pitched 6 2/3 innings in a Sox uniform. Campbell was blitzed for 13 runs in that small sample, a far cry from the 2.83 ERA he posted in 27 appearances for the Mariners as a rookie. The Arkansas product missed time with both a shoulder impingement and elbow inflammation amidst a difficult year.
Always thought Mata would develop into a higher echelon pitcher Campbell has always been meh.
Correct link for Dobbins:
baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=dob…
Someone will take a flier on Mata..if hes healthy
Such a shame to see Mata’s career with Boston come to an end this way. For a short period, he seemed like a can’t miss prospect and was rated above Bello. Injuries and control problems led to his demise. I hope he does well wherever he lands.
Another example of why you should never be afraid to trade low level minor league prospects for established veterans. 2 years ago Mata and Bleis were untouchable guys, now they are throw ins at best
I think there may have been some other worthy candidates such as Gasper and Valdez. What about Michael Fullmer – unprotected. Investment probably wasted as someone will take a flier.
I think they might feel that their best chance of getting these guys through waivers is at the rule 5 roster freeze deadline, than in February or March.
Gasper and Valdez have more value than Mata and Campbell. That said, they will be DFA when Soto and a free agent pitcher are signed….
I doubt Soto comes to Fenway. Boras will just use them to drive up the price
Moves aren’t surprising. Not adding Michael Fulmer suggests to me he’s not ready for 25 and may not be for a club to have to carry him. I still expect someone to grab him. Maybe the White Sox or some other team willing to take a chance, hoping he can be flipped at the deadline.
Not that anyone has turned into Justin Verlander, but the Red Sox have had quite a few pitchers taken in the Rule 5 draft in recent years. Most are returned with some of them coming back damaged – Noah Song! Makes for a little fun to watch outcome in the offseason!
He was a good Mariner. Wish him well wherever he goes