As the 2025 Major League Baseball regular season races to its dramatic close, the Boston Red Sox are gearing up for their final showdown with a strategic roster move that underscores their playoff-ready mindset. With just one game left against the Detroit Tigers at the iconic Fenway Park, first pitch set for 3:05 p.m. ET, the Red Sox have made a calculated decision to bolster their pitching depth. According to MassLive.com‘s Chris Cotillo, Boston is calling up veteran right-hander José De León while optioning Chris Murphy to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox.
Cotillo broke the news with a concise update: “Veteran righty José De León called up to the Red Sox. He could pitch today. Chris Murphy optioned to the WooSox.”
With the postseason already secured, the Red Sox are laser-focused on staying healthy and fresh for their playoff opener on Tuesday. Bringing in a seasoned arm like De León, a six-year MLB veteran, signals Boston’s intent to manage Sunday’s game wisely while preserving their top pitchers for the postseason grind. De León, who last pitched in the majors in 2023, isn’t expected to feature in the playoff roster but offers valuable experience to eat innings in the season finale. His 2025 stint with the Worcester Red Sox saw him pitch in 22 games, posting a 6.93 ERA—a stat that belies his ability to provide reliable depth in a pinch.
De León’s journeyman career has taken him across the big leagues, with stints at the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, and Minnesota Twins. His experience makes him a pragmatic choice for Sunday’s start, allowing Boston to conserve their bullpen and rotation for the postseason. The Red Sox are still in the dark about their Tuesday opponent, with the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, or Cleveland Guardians all in play depending on Sunday’s outcomes across the league.
While Boston is clearly gunning for a win in their final regular-season game, the decision to start De León suggests a balanced approach—aiming to compete without overextending their key arms. As the Fenway faithful prepare to cheer on their team in this last regular-season clash, all eyes will be on how De León sets the stage for Boston’s postseason aspirations. The Red Sox are ready to close out 2025 in style, with their sights firmly set on October glory.