BOSTON - Some roster shuffling took place Thursday with the Red Sox, who were in desperate need of some fresh arms in the bullpen.
The Red Sox designated Daniel Nava for assignment and optioned lefty Tommy Layne, while recalling Jonathan Aro and adding Jean Machi to the roster. The Sox claimed Machi off waivers from the San Francisco Giants earlier this week.
Machi had two strong seasons with the Giants in 2013 and 2014 before faltering this season.
Machi was designated 10 days ago and hasn't appeared in a game since as he waited to see where he would land. But he continued throwing on the side while in limbo, then threw a light bullpen Thursday afternoon and is available to the Sox Thursday night.
"There's a little bit of a challenge, bringing him in here, given our situation and the need for innings right away,'' said John Farrell, "with his 10 days of activity. But he's been going through a throwing program. We'll see what he's got available for us tonight.''
Machi throws a fastball, slider and split-finger fastball, with his fastball usually between 92-94 mph. He's had difficulty with his slider this year, and that's caused him to struggle against righties, who hit him at a .356 clip.
"The slider might not be as sharp as the last couple of years,'' allowed Farrell, "and that's the pitch that we've got to continue to hone in on and look to regain its consistency. The slider hasn't had the same action away from righthanders.''
Boston Red Sox
Meanwhile, Machi has been tough on lefties, who have hit just .120 against him.
"He's a great pitcher,'' said Pablo Sandoval, who was a teammate of Machi's the last two seasons. "He throws a lot of strikes. The times that I played with him he threw a lot of strikes. He's got a good breaking ball good split-finger. Hopefully, he can go to the bullpen and help them a little more.''
Aro is in his second stint with the Red Sox this season, with the first stay a brief one. He appeared in three games with the Sox at the end of June and into the start of July, compiling an 11.37 ERA, covering 4 2/3 innings.