The Boston Red Sox are quietly turning heads with their recent performances. The team secured their fourth victory in five games with a commanding 10-3 triumph over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night, bringing their season record to 11-10.

This success was largely thanks to Boston’s formidable pitching lineup, which held the AL Central’s bottom team to just two earned runs on six hits, while racking up six strikeouts. Notably, right-hander Hunter Dobbins was impressive, achieving all six of the team’s strikeouts over six innings of work. Despite Dobbins’ stellar performance, his night concluded with a harsh reality check.

Following the win, Chris Cotillo of MassLive revealed that the Red Sox are sending Dobbins back to Triple-A Worcester to accommodate the return of seasoned RHP Liam Hendriks, who is set to make a comeback from an elbow injury that has stalled his 2025 season debut. Although Dobbins’ demotion is ill-timed, it comes as no surprise.

The 25-year-old pitcher was called up as a stopgap just 24 hours after Hendriks announced his intention to rejoin the bullpen over the weekend. “That’s the plan,” Hendriks noted on Thursday, according to Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald. “Ultimately, the higher-ups will make the final call, but that’s the current plan.”

Dobbins returns to the minors boasting a 2-0 record and a 2.45 ERA from his first two major league starts, with 11 strikeouts and two walks over 11 innings. Interestingly, his major league stats surpass his minor league performance, where he has struggled with a 10.80 ERA across two relief appearances (6 2/3 innings) with Worcester.

Nevertheless, Dobbins could find himself back in the Red Sox roster if Hendriks falters early on. The three-time MLB All-Star has not participated in a significant baseball game since the 2023 season. Injuries have kept him off the field since he secured a two-year, $10 million deal with the Red Sox in February 2024, including the current 15-day IL stint due to elbow issues.

On a positive note, Hendriks appeared to be in top form during his recent rehab stint. The two-time American League Reliever of the Year pitched three scoreless innings with five strikeouts over a series of appearances with Worcester and Double-A Portland, signaling his readiness to rejoin Boston’s bullpen. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Hendriks or Dobbins will play pivotal roles in any Red Sox success. For now, Boston continues their campaign with odds of +2000 for the 2025 World Series on FanDuel Sportsbook, tying them for the seventh-best chance.