The Boston Red Sox’s bullpen is full of Rule 5 Draft success stories, but on Wednesday, they got the chance to give that phrase a different meaning.
Right-handed pitcher Angel Bastardo was picked up in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft by the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays, and it was known at the time that he would miss the entire 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. That meant Bastardo would have to spend all of this year on an active major league roster.
As it turned out, Bastardo wasn’t able to crack the Blue Jays’ opening day roster and was therefore designated for assignment. Per an official roster announcement, he was returned to the Red Sox on Wednesday, which represents a best-case scenario.
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Bastardo comes back to Boston without need for trade
Mar 15, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Angel Bastardo (99) pitches in the third inning against the New York Mets at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The Red Sox could have tried to jump the waiver line and swung some sort of trade to bring Bastardo back from the Blue Jays, but it appears they held their ground instead. They owed a nominal fee for the rights to bring him back, which they clearly thought was worthwhile.
While moving organizations might not have been ideal for Bastardo’s development, it’s hard to argue that the situation was a negative for him, as he accrued major league service time and pay while on the injured list for Toronto.
In major league spring training with the Blue Jays, the 24-year-old Bastardo allowed four earned runs in 7 2/3 innings, walking seven batters and striking out only five. Making a major league roster after a year off and no Triple-A experience had to at least somewhat contribute to his lack of command.
The Red Sox don’t need to rush Bastardo to the majors at this point. He had a 5.36 ERA in 10 starts for Double-A Portland in 2024, and following the surgery, it’s something of a question as to whether he’ll be stretched out as a starter again. Most organizations prefer to do so for pitchers as young as Bastardo still is.
However, if the Red Sox find themselves needing an extra right-handed bullpen arm late in the season in the majors, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Bastardo thrown into the fire.