Red Sox Reinstate Pitcher Zack Kelly, Option to Triple-A

The 27-year-old right-hander has been recovering from an oblique injury.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Boston Red Sox have reinstated pitcher Zack Kelly from the injured list and optioned him to their Triple-A affiliate in Worcester, Massachusetts. The 27-year-old right-hander had been sidelined with an oblique injury.

Why it matters

Kelly's return to the Red Sox organization provides depth to their pitching staff as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season. His performance at the Triple-A level will be closely watched as the team evaluates their options for the major league roster.

The details

The Red Sox activated Kelly from the injured list on Saturday and immediately assigned him to their Triple-A team in Worcester. Kelly had been on the IL since suffering an oblique strain earlier in spring training. The move allows him to continue his recovery and build up his arm strength at the minor league level before potentially earning a call-up to the big league club.

  • Kelly was placed on the injured list in early February 2026 due to the oblique injury.
  • He was reinstated from the IL on February 22, 2026.

The players

Zack Kelly

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization.

Boston Red Sox

The professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts that competes in Major League Baseball.

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What’s next

Kelly will look to prove his health and effectiveness at the Triple-A level in Worcester, with the goal of earning a promotion to the major league roster later in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Red Sox are taking a cautious approach with Kelly's recovery, allowing him to build up his arm strength in the minors before potentially contributing at the big league level. His return provides additional pitching depth for the organization.