Red Sox Reliever Slaten Lands on IL with Oblique Strain

Boston recalls lefty Samaniego from Triple-A to fill roster spot

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:08pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing the challenges of injuries in the Red Sox bullpen.A cubist interpretation of a Red Sox pitcher's delivery, reflecting the team's injury woes in the bullpen.Worcester Today

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, who was previously unavailable for Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers due to a sore oblique, will now be shut down for at least two weeks as he recovers from the injury. The Red Sox have recalled left-handed pitcher Tyler Samaniego from their Triple-A affiliate in Worcester to take Slaten's spot in the bullpen.

Why it matters

Slaten has been a key part of the Red Sox bullpen this season, so his absence will be felt as the team looks to stay competitive in the AL East division race. Oblique injuries can be tricky for pitchers, so the Red Sox will want to ensure Slaten is fully healed before bringing him back to avoid any further setbacks.

The details

The Red Sox placed Slaten on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday after he was diagnosed with a right oblique strain. Slaten had previously been unavailable for Tuesday's game against the Brewers due to a sore oblique, but the injury was determined to be more serious upon further evaluation. The team has recalled left-hander Tyler Samaniego from their Triple-A affiliate in Worcester to fill Slaten's spot on the active roster.

  • Slaten was placed on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday, April 18, 2026.
  • Slaten is hopeful to return from the IL when first eligible on April 20, 2026.

The players

Justin Slaten

A right-handed relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox.

Tyler Samaniego

A left-handed pitcher recalled from the Red Sox's Triple-A affiliate in Worcester to fill Slaten's roster spot.

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What they’re saying

“Slaten believes his injury is minor and is hopeful to return from the IL when first eligible April 20.”

— Justin Slaten

What’s next

The Red Sox will monitor Slaten's progress over the next two weeks and hope to have him back in the bullpen as soon as he is fully recovered from the oblique strain.

The takeaway

Oblique injuries can be tricky for pitchers, so the Red Sox will need to be cautious with Slaten's recovery to ensure he does not suffer any setbacks. His absence will be felt in the bullpen, but the team is hopeful he can return as soon as he is eligible in mid-April.