MLB: Red Sox option Hirokazu Sawamura to Triple-A Worcester

NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- The Boston Red Sox optioned right-hander Hirokazu Sawamura to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday for the first time in his two major league seasons apart from injury.

The 34-year-old has made 18 relief appearances this season, posting a 3.60 ERA. On Friday, Sawamura allowed a run on two hits over one inning after coming on as the fifth Red Sox pitcher in a 12-8 loss against the Baltimore Orioles.

Players who are optioned to the minors are removed from a team's active 26-man roster but remain on the 40-man roster.

The former Yomiuri Giants pitcher joined the Red Sox as a free agent ahead of the 2021 season and has so far pitched in 73 big league games, going 5-2 with a 3.18 ERA.