Recently Acquired Red Sox Left-Hander Expected To Make Debut 'Soon'

Boston Red Sox left-handed reliever Tyler Samaniego, who was acquired as part of the Johan Oviedo-Jhostynxon Garcia trade, is nearing his spring debut, according to a new report from MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.

“Tyler Samaniego, a left-handed reliever competing for a bullpen spot, is expected to get into game action soon, a source said,” Cotillo wrote. “He was supposed to make his spring debut Sunday but was scratched due to back tightness.”

“That issue turned out to be minor and Samaniego was back to throwing in the bullpen this week. He will soon mount his bid to crack the Opening Day roster. Veteran Jovani Morán is the most likely lefty reliever (outside of Aroldis Chapman) to make the team.”

Samaniego was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 15th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of the University of South Alabama. He made his professional debut that year and progressed steadily through the minors, reaching Double-A Altoona by 2022.

His career faced a setback in 2024 when he missed the second half after undergoing an internal brace procedure. Samaniego returned to action in 2025, starting with a rehab assignment in May before working his way back through lower levels to Double-A.

Across 30 appearances split among four teams in 2025, he posted a 3-3 record with a 3.99 ERA, 38.1 innings pitched, 44 strikeouts, and a solid 1.04 WHIP. His performance showed improved command and control following the injury recovery, with particularly strong results at Altoona (3.08 ERA over 26.1 innings and three saves).

In November 2025, the Pirates added him to their 40-man roster. Shortly after, on December 4, 2025, Pittsburgh traded him along with Oviedo and Adonys Guzman to the Red Sox in exchange for Garcia and Jesus Travieso.

Samaniego remains a promising bullpen arm with a fastball reaching 98 mph, positioning him for potential Triple-A work and a possible MLB debut during the 2026 season.

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