Brennan

Bernardino

It’ll ostensibly be a bullpen game for the Red Sox as they opted to let Kyle Harrison make his scheduled start at Triple-A Worcester and also rolled with Brayan Bello during the resumption of Tuesday’s suspended game. Swingman Cooper Criswell — who has been called up as the 27th man for the twin bill — will be tasked with gobbling up most of the frames on Wednesday evening at Fenway Park during a bulk relief appearance following Bernardino’s opening effort.

Bernardino rejoins Boston’s relief corps ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Fenway Park against the Guardians after being away from the club for a couple days.

Bernardino will be away from Boston for at least a day, with a chance to miss a couple more while taking care of something more important than the sport of baseball. The Red Sox activated Lucas Giolito off the injured list in the corresponding transaction.

Bernardino is going on the IL immediately after giving up two runs Tuesday while pitching for the fourth time in five days. The Red Sox don’t believe the problem is ligament related, but if Bernardino is to return, it’d be for just the final few days of the season.

Bernardino’s Triple-A stint lasted just two days. He has a 3.83 ERA in 40 innings for the Red Sox this season.

Giving up four runs in 1 1/3 innings Sunday took Berdardino’s ERA from 3.03 to 3.83 and cost him his roster spot for a couple of weeks. He’d allowed just one homer in 38 innings this season before giving up three in his last two appearances.

Brennan Bernardino will function as an opener in front of him. Criswell pitched well in his last outing against the Angels on Saturday, allowing two runs over four innings in a no-decision. He’s probably best avoided for fantasy purposes.

Bernardino will join the Red Sox with Nick Pivetta on the injured list with an elbow injury. The 32-year-old made 55 appearances (6 starts) last season for Boston and posted a solid 3.20 ERA, 1.30 WHIP with a 58/18 K/BB ratio across 50 2/3 innings.

Well, this is a surprising move. The 32-year-old southpaw will begin his season at the minor league level after a solid Spring Training with the Red Sox. Bernardino didn’t allow a run in his 6 2/3 innings of work in spring camp. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it was one of the tougher decisions he’s made this spring but expects Bernardino to contribute at some point this season. “You have to live with it. He’s part of the organization, part of club, we know that,” Cora said. “He’s not going to be there in Seattle, but without guarantees, I do believe Bernie is going to contribute here and be a big part of what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Bernardino returns to the Red Sox bullpen after spending a minimum of seven days on the injured list due to COVID-19. This season, the 31-year-old has been a surprise, posting a 2.55 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 49/12 K/BB ratio over 42 1/3 innings.