Former Blue Jays pitcher has contract selected by Red Sox, will start final game of the season

Instead, they will turn to 33 year-old journeyman Jose De Leon, whose contract they selected on Sunday. The Red Sox had an opening on their 40-man due to catcher Ali Sanchez being outrighted late last week.

Despite his age, De Leon has just 34 games of major league experience, including seven starts. He had suited for four teams prior to his debut with Boston.

He is 4-2 with a 7.44 ERA for his career.

In addition to his major league time, he appeared in 10 minor league games for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022, making two appearances for Single-A Dunedin before moving up to Triple-A Buffalo, where he appeared in eight games and made five starts.

It's been a minute since De Leon has appeared in a game at the major league level. His 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins was cut short thanks to the second Tommy John surgery of his career.

Lucas Giolito was initially set for game 162 but with the Red Sox locking up a wild card spot, Boston decided to rest the veteran starter and give De Leon a look.

Sunday's start might end up being De Leon's only appearance with the team. He is out of options and would have to DFA'd should the Sox want to move him off the roster. It has suggested that him and Sanchez could swap places again, due to Boston wanting to carry three catchers in the postseason.

De Leon last pitched in the bigs in 2023.