64 Marcus Walden RP

Walden (4-0) allowed one hit and struck out three over three scoreless innings in Wednesday's 7-3 win over the Athletics.

Walden picked up his fourth relief win of the season on what was a bullpen day for Boston. He relieved Hector Velazquez to start the third inning and needed just 31 pitches to dispatch the A's. Since being recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket on April 18, the right-hander has scattered three hits and a walk while striking out eight over 8.1 scoreless innings. He's been a reliable arm out of the bullpen and pitched in a variety of roles. "He's got good stuff. Good velocity. Good movement. Good slider. I think usage has been a little bit different this year and he's gaining confidence. You're used in spots that are high-leverage situations and you get outs and you keep growing and you keep feeling better about yourself," manager Alex Cora told Steve Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports.

Walden (3-0) allowed one hit and struck out two over two innings in Sunday's 4-3 extra-innings win over the Rays.

Walden held the fort in the ninth and 10th innings of a tied game before the Red Sox nudged across a run in the 11th, setting up a save situation for Ryan Brasier. The 30-year-old Walden, who was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday, appeared in both weekend games against Tampa Bay and struck out four over 2.2 scoreless innings. For the season, the right-hander has fanned 15 over 10.2 innings. He's essentially filling the Brian Johnson (elbow) role, pitching in middle relief or whenever the Red Sox need multiple innings from their bullpen.

Walden was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Walden's latest stint in the minor leagues last only a few days, as he's been called up for Dustin Pedroia (knee), who was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday. Walden owns a 3.38 ERA with 11 punchouts over eight innings out of the bullpen for Boston in 2019.

Walden was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Walden allowed just one earned run in his first four appearances, but he gave up three in two frames Monday against the Orioles. A corresponding move is expected to be announced Tuesday.

Walden allowed a hit and a walk over two scoreless innings in Sunday's 1-0 win over the Diamondbacks.

Walden, who was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday, was the third in a line of five relievers on bullpen day. The 30-year-old right-hander takes the roster spot of Brian Johnson who landed on the injured list with elbow discomfort. All of Boston's wins on its 3-8 road trip were earned by relievers. Walden joins a bullpen that has pitched well under duress due to a league-worst starter ERA (8.57).