BREAKING NEWS: Red Sox make questionable decision to let go of pitcher who might have strengthened their bullpen

The Boston Red Sox signed veteran reliever Lucas Luetge to a minor league contract just before spring training began.

During spring training, Luetge posted a 2.61 ERA over 10.1 innings but did not make the major league roster. He spent the first half of the season with Triple-A Worcester, where his performance was shaky at first. In April, he had a 7.04 ERA over 7.2 innings across six appearances, including a rough outing where he allowed five runs in a third of an inning. Despite these struggles, his performance improved over time, and his ERA gradually decreased.

By July 30, Luetge’s ERA had improved to 3.02. In July, he made eight appearances, allowing just one earned run and maintaining a 0.72 ERA. Meanwhile, the Red Sox’s bullpen continued to struggle, but Luetge was never called up. On August 3, he opted out of his Red Sox contract and signed a minor league deal with the Cubs on August 7.

According to the WooSox game notes, LHP Lucas Luetge has been released after triggering an opt out clause in his contract.

The veteran reliever was signed as a potential bullpen option but has not pitched in the majors this season.

— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) August 3, 2024

Since the All-Star break, Boston’s pitchers have recorded the second-worst ERA in the league, trailing only the White Sox, with a troubling 5.96 ERA. This is a dramatic decline from their early-season performance, which was the best in the league. While Craig Breslow made some adjustments before the trade deadline by acquiring right-handed pitchers Lucas Sims and Luis García, these moves did not address the team’s need for a left-handed reliever.

Lucas Luetge, a lefty, posted impressive numbers in July, and overall this season he had 47 strikeouts and 13 walks in 41.2 innings, indicating he managed his command well. Although Cam Booser has been a dependable left-handed option for the Sox, Luetge’s extensive big-league experience surpasses that of both Booser and Brennan Bernardino.

The reason for the Red Sox’s decision not to call up Luetge remains unclear, but their failure to do so has cost them a valuable opportunity.