Red Sox Place Reliever Justin Slaten on IL with Oblique Injury

Boston recalls LHP Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A to fill Slaten's roster spot.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:22pm

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The Boston Red Sox have placed right-handed relief pitcher Justin Slaten on the 15-day injured list due to a right oblique strain. Slaten had not allowed a run in four appearances this season before suffering the injury. The Red Sox have recalled left-handed pitcher Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester to take Slaten's spot on the active roster.

Why it matters

Slaten has been an important part of the Red Sox bullpen over the past couple of seasons, so his absence could impact the team's pitching depth as they try to turn around their slow 3-8 start to the 2026 season.

The details

The Red Sox announced the roster move on Wednesday, stating that Slaten's IL placement is retroactive to April 5. Samaniego, who will wear number 78, has been recalled from Triple-A Worcester to fill Slaten's spot on the active roster.

  • Slaten was placed on the 15-day IL on April 8, 2026.
  • Slaten's IL stint is retroactive to April 5, 2026.

The players

Justin Slaten

A right-handed relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who has been an important part of their bullpen over the past couple of seasons.

Tyler Samaniego

A left-handed pitcher who has been recalled from the Red Sox's Triple-A affiliate in Worcester to take Slaten's spot on the active roster.

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What they’re saying

“The #RedSox today placed RHP Justin Slaten on the 15-Day Injured List (retroactive to April 5) with a right oblique strain. To fill his spot, Boston recalled LHP Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester. Samaniego will wear number 78.”

— Boston Red Sox

What’s next

The Red Sox and Brewers will play again on Wednesday afternoon, and updates on Justin Slaten's injury status will continue to be provided as they become available.

The takeaway

Slaten's injury is a setback for the Red Sox, who are already dealing with other injury concerns to players like Kutter Crawford and Triston Casas. The team will need to rely on their bullpen depth, including the newly recalled Tyler Samaniego, as they try to turn around their slow start to the 2026 season.