The Boston Red Sox on Monday recalled infielder Jeter Downs, their No. 5-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, from Triple-A Worcester. To make room for Downs on the active roster, the club designated right-handed pitcher James Norwood for assignment.
Downs, along with Alex Verdugo and Connor Wong, was part of Boston’s return in the February 2020 trade that sent Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers.
Downs, 23, has played in 53 games for Worcester this season, including 52 starts at shortstop. He is tied for the team lead in stolen bases (11) and ranks second in home runs (11) and runs scored (35), one of only two players in the International League with at least 10 home runs and 10 steals. This is Downs’ first appearance on an active Major League roster.
Downs’ promotion comes as a result of Monday’s deadline for teams reduce the number of pitchers on active rosters to 13. His stay in the Majors could be short, with Kikè Hernandez (hip) and Christian Arroyo (COVID) likely back soon.
Norwood, 28, did not pitch for Boston after the club acquired him from the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. The right-hander has made 48 relief appearances during his Major League career, posting a 5.48 ERA (27 ER/44.1 IP) for the Chicago Cubs (2018-20), San Diego Padres (2021), and Phillies (2022).