Chad Tracy Reveals Expected Role For Red Sox's Newly Acquired Reliever
· Yahoo Sports
Chad Tracy Reveals Expected Role For Red Sox's Newly Acquired Reliever originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Visit mchezo.co.za for more information.
The Boston Red Sox pulled off their first trade of the 2026 season earlier this week, acquiring 28-year-old reliever Joe La Sorsa from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations.
Similar to Red Sox hurler Tommy Kahnle, La Sorsa triggered the upward mobility clause in his minor league contract, forcing the Pirates' hand to either call up the 28-year-old reliever or potentially lose him.
Ultimately, Boston and Pittsburgh got a trade done, and La Sorsa could not be happier.
“I wasn’t really sure. I was kind of kept in the dark,” La Sorsa said on Friday, per MassLive's Sean McAdam. “I know when you go through that process, you have to go through a couple of steps. There’s a 48-hour period, then an additional 48-hour period and all you want to do is just play.
“Eventually, once the deadline came, I found out I was a Red Sox. I was absolutely ecstatic. This is one of the most storied franchise in all of sports, let alone baseball. It’s an honor to be part of this team and organization. Can’t wait to do my part.”
La Sorsa is a three-year MLB veteran who most recently played with the Cincinnati Reds in 2025. The 28-year-old reliever has spent this season in the Pirates' farm system, where he's posted a 3.46 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 22 appearances.
The left-handed hurler is a specialist when it comes to facing left-handed batters, and Red Sox's interim manager Chad Tracy opened up on what his expected role for the team will be moving forward.
“He can fill roles and take down lefties for us,” Tracy said, per McAdam, “and he may be able to take down innings for us that are one-sided (either way). We’ll just see how the situation unfolds.”
Though Tracy has a plan, La Sorsa will need to step up big after struggling in the majors last season. The Red Sox have flexibility with the 28-year-old reliever, who has options available and can be sent down to Triple-A without being open to waivers.
More MLB: Craig Breslow Wants Demoted Pitcher To 'Fall In Love' With Baseball Again