The Boston Red Sox have designated Zack Kelly for assignment after five seasons with the team.
Kelly signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox in 2021 and made his big league debut with the Red Sox in 2022. He has appeared in 115 games with the Red Sox in five seasons, but suffered a season-ending elbow injury this season.
He has a 4.04 ERA in his career and had a 3.31 ERA in 17 big league games this year. He appeared in 12 games in Triple-A this season, but had a 5.71 ERA. The Red Sox have five days to trade him or place him on waivers, but he is expected to clear waivers.
He is out of options, so it's likely he clears waivers. He can elect minor league free agency if he clears waivers, meaning his time with the Red Sox is likely over.
The Red Sox likely won't miss him much as they have solid pitching depth in the organization. As for Kelly, he should be able to land a minor league deal that lets him compete for a big league roster spot.
Kelly is 31 years old, coming off an elbow injury, but is expected to resume throwing in the coming weeks. The Red Sox needed spots on the 40-man roster, and Kelly was a piece they were willing to part ways with.