Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Brennan Bernardino will serve as the opener ahead of Wednesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. The Red Sox have decided to go bullpen-game after having Brayan Bello pitch during the resumption of Tuesday's suspended contest. Bernardino figures to throw an inning before handing the ball off to Cooper Criswell who will pitch the bulk of the innings. Criswell doesn't offer enough upside to warrant streaming on Wednesday.

The Boston Red Sox surprisingly optioned left-hander Brennan Bernardino to Triple-A Worcester on Monday night. Bernardino was the team's top left-hander all of last year and one of their biggest success stories. Coming into spring training, he was widely considered a lock to make the Opening Day roster. He appeared in 55 games in 2023 and had a 3.20 ERA over 50 2/3 frames. This spring, he didn't allow a single run in seven Grapefruit League appearances. The move to send Bernardino to the minors was made to preserve roster flexibility given that he has minor-league options remaining. Although the 32-year-old southpaw reliever won't start the year in Beantown, Bernardino will surely join their bullpen at some point in 2024.