A rite of passive for many young relief pitchers: Ben Taylor did his job too well to stay in the big leagues.
After his 3-2/3 scoreless innings yesterday, Taylor was optioned back to the minor leagues this morning. He saved the bullpen after starter Steven Wright flopped, and because he pitched so many innings, Taylor won't be available for a few days.
So, he was replaced by a fresh arm.
In this case, it's lefty Robbie Ross Jr., coming off the disabled list to rejoin the bullpen. Ross has been out with the flu, one of the most severe cases of an illness that struck many players in the Red Sox clubhouse during the first week of the season.