Red Sox place reliever Jordan Hicks on IL after implosion

Red Sox

Jordan Hicks is sporting an 8.20 ERA so far with the Red Sox.

The Red Sox are reportedly placing Jordan Hicks on the shelf after his latest setback on the mound. 

According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, Boston is placing Hicks on the 15-day injured list with a shoulder injury ahead of Friday’s road game against the Arizona Diamondbacks — with lefty Chris Murphy expected to join the team as another bullpen arm.

Hicks’ addition to the IL comes just a day after he struggled mightily in Boston’s 8-1 loss to the Guardians Wednesday night. 

With Alex Cora calling on his bullpen to help Boston secure a sweep over Cleveland, Hicks was brought into the game in the top of the first inning after opener Brennan Bernardino could not get out of the frame.

Hicks recorded a strikeout to get out of the first, but imploded in the following inning. 

The righty did not record an out in the inning; he surrendered four hits, four runs and one walk before Cora pulled him from the game. By the time the Red Sox got out of the second inning, Cleveland had built itself a 7-0 lead. 

Acquired by Boston in the blockbuster trade that sent Rafael Devers to the Giants, Hicks was brought in by the Red Sox as an intriguing power arm that could be utilized out of the bullpen.

But, Hicks’ high velocity rate has not led to tangible results so far during his time with the Red Sox. Following Wednesday’s loss, Hicks holds an 8.20 ERA over 21 appearances with Boston. 

“We’ve got to figure (Hicks) out. We need him,” Cora said after Boston’s loss on Wednesday. That’s the bottom line. Because we’ve got Whitlock as a setup man, we need righties in the bullpen to do their job. We trust the ability but we have to execute.”

Even though Hicks could be eligible to rejoin Boston’s roster before the end of regular-season play, it remains to be seen if the 28-year-old pitcher has a spot in this current bullpen — especially alongside other established arms like Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock, Justin Slaten and Justin Wilson.

The more pressing issue for the Red Sox when it comes to Hicks is what to do with him moving forward in 2026 and beyond. Hicks is currently under contract for another two years after the 2025 season and is set to earn $12 million per year moving forward.  

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.