Overview
- Watson was designated for assignment Tuesday to clear a 26-man roster spot after Boston added lefty Erik Miller in a trade with San Francisco.
- Because Watson was acquired via the Rule 5 process, he will go on the waiver wire and, if unclaimed, must be offered back to the Giants for the roughly $50,000 Rule 5 return fee.
- Watson has been used almost exclusively in low-leverage roles this season, compiling a 4.53 ERA in 55 2/3 innings with below-average strikeout and ground-ball rates.
- The Red Sox say they acquired Miller to provide a late-inning, high-leverage left-handed arm that generates swings and misses as Boston pushes for a postseason berth.
- The move underscores immediate roster pressure from Boston’s active trade deadline work and could shift bullpen roles or cost the club prospect depth depending on waiver claims and Miller’s impact.