HOUSTON — Manager Alex Cora presented the lineup card after the Red Sox’ 14-1 win over the Astros on Tuesday to a player who had no significant impact on the final score.
It went to lefty reliever Jovani Morán, who pitched the eighth and ninth innings in a mop-up duty role.
“He got emotional and I’m very happy that I was able to do that,” Cora said.
The Red Sox promoted Morán from Triple-A Worcester on Monday. He missed the entire 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
“One of these kids that has grinded throughout his career,” Cora said.
The Twins non-tendered him in November 2023, right when he underwent Tommy John surgery. He re-signed a minor league contract with Minnesota.
Morán, a native of Puerto Rico, said Monday that the thought of never making it back to the majors crossed his mind, once or twice.
“A kid that I know from back home,” Cora said. “He actually pitches for the winter ball team that I help in Caguas. And to see him on the mound and for everything that he’s been through, to post and be in the big leagues, I know it means a lot.”
Morán remained in Fort Myers after spring training to continue his rehab process. Worcester activated him June 24, after a 14-day rehab assignment with High-A Greenville. He had a 3.44 ERA, 26 strikeouts and just three walks in 18 ⅓ innings for the WooSox.
“Obviously the injury was an obstacle in his career, but he worked hard and I was glad that we got him in the offseason,” Cora said. “He was very patient throughout the process. Patient the last few weeks. He’s been throwing the ball well for a while and that fastball plays. The changeup is really good. Let’s see what the future holds. But from a personal standpoint, I gave him the lineup card after the game yesterday.”
Morán has had some success in the majors, including posting a 2.21 ERA in 40 ⅔ innings out of the bullpen in 2022 as a rookie.
He had a 5.31 ERA in 42 ⅓ innings for Minnesota in 2023 but his expected numbers were much better. He had a 3.69 expected ERA and .211 expected batting average. He also had an impressive 37.0% whiff percentage and 27.5% hard hit percentage.
Cora said he thinks Morán will be a “big part” of Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 WBC.
“Puerto Rican kid that we’ve been together for a while. I know him. So very, very happy for him,” Cora said.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
