Red Sox Lose Johan Oviedo to IL: What We Know Right Now

Early on Friday, it was reported that both relief pitchers Zack Kelly and Tyler Uberstine had lockers at Fenway Park ahead of the Boston Red Sox's home opener against the San Diego Padres.

Of course, that raised some alarms. Both were down in Triple-A to kick off the season so the question immediately shifted to, who are they replacing?

The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey answered the question by reporting that Garrett Whitlock is being placed on the paternity list. On a negative note, McCaffrey also reported that Johan Oviedo is heading to the Injured List with a right elbow strain.

"Oviedo is headed to the IL [with a] right elbow strain, Kelly and Uberstine up. Whitlock to paternity list," McCaffrey wrote.

Brutal News for Johan Oviedo

Mar 2, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Johan Oviedo (29) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Oviedo was acquired by the Red Sox this past offseason in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates in a deal centered around Jhostynxon Garcia. When healthy, Oviedo has electric stuff and the type of extension that Boston is on the hunt for. Unfortunately, injuries have been a major talking point throughout his career so far. Oviedo missed the entire 2024 season and then made just nine appearances for the Pirates last season. Those nine outings were good. He logged a 3.57 ERA across 40 1/3 innings of work, but now the injury bug has struck again.

Ari Alexander of 7News Boston WHDH shared on X that Oviedo has undergone both an MRI and an X-Ray and the information is going to be compared to a previous MRI of his. Any time you hear about an elbow issue with a hurler, it's a red flag. Especially for someone who already has undergone Tommy John surgery in his career to this point.

Now, of course, it's too early to truly to know what's going on. He has made just one appearance for Boston so far this season out of the bullpen, but he did have a significant drop-off with his fastball velocity in the contest. Right now, this is a concern for Boston. But fortunately, the Red Sox do have the pitching depth that they got praised for all offseason.

Connelly Early is already in the starting rotation. Boston brought up the two relievers on Friday. Also, Patrick Sandoval is trending up and is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment this weekend, which will give Boston even more depth. Plus, of course, Payton Tolle is down in Triple-A waiting for his turn as well. Boston is in a good spot, but this is a concern.