64 Marcus Walden RP

Walden was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Walden has now been sent to the minors three times this season. The 29-year-old rookie is clearly right on the fringe of the major-league roster and is likely to keep bouncing between Boston and Pawtucket for much of the year. He has a 3.68 ERA in 14.2 innings of long relief for the Red Sox so far this season. Bobby Poyner was called up to take his place in the bullpen.

Walden was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket prior to Wednesday's game against Kansas City, Sean McAdam of the BostonSportsJournal.com reports.

In a corresponding move, the club placed Eduardo Rodriguez on family medical leave. Walden has appeared in seven games for Boston this season, logging a 4.91 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 11 innings of relief. He will be utilized out of the bullpen during low-leverage situations while in the big leagues.

Walden was sent back to Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday, Sean McAdam of the Boston Sports Journal reports.

Walden was cast off the active roster in order to make room for Drew Pomeranz (forearm), who was activated from the disabled list. Over seven appearances with the Red Sox this season, Walden has logged a 4.09 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with a 10:3 K:BB.

Walden pitched three innings Saturday against the Orioles, allowing one run on three hits while striking out three en route to the save.

Walden has largely pitched in low-leverage situations, but his three-inning outing allowed him to collect a save despite a seven-run margin of victory. The righty filled up the zone, throwing over 60 percent of his 48 pitches for strikes. He'll likely continue to fill a middle-relief role during his time in the big leagues despite the surprise save.

The Red Sox optioned Walden to Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports

Walden earned an Opening Day roster spot due to a stellar spring training and had a respectable 3.60 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with three strikeouts over five innings with the Red Sox. The 25-year-old was optioned as Eduardo Rodriguez is set to return from the 10-day disabled list to start Sunday's game.