The Red Sox recently lost a pitcher to the Orioles through the Rule 5 Draft. He’s now being sent back to Boston, free of charge.

That would be 26-year-old right-handed reliever Andrew Politi, who has yet to make his major league debut in seven professional seasons. The Red Sox originally drafted Politi in the 15th round of the 2018 MLB Amateur Draft out of Seton Hall. He soon made his professional debut that year with the Lowell Spinners, and most recently made 50 appearances between Triple-A Worcester and Double-A Portland in 2022.

Could Politi have a chance to finally make his major league debut, and with the team that originally drafted him?

• Politi had a cup of coffee in Baltimore thanks to the Rule 5 Draft, which in December was held for the first time since 2019. The Rule 5 Draft gives teams the choice to select players from opposing clubs who had spent at least five seasons in the organization without being named to the 40-man roster.

  The Orioles took Politi with the 17th pick in the “Major League Phase” of the 2022 Rule 5 Draft. The Red Sox passed on their selection.

  Given that Politi couldn’t stick in the Orioles organization, and couldn’t crack even the 40-man roster in Boston, that doesn’t bode well for his chances of pitching much in the major leagues in his career. But he did reach Triple-A last season and is still only 26 years old, so the book isn’t closed on that possibility.

• 

  Mar 1, 2021; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox Andrew Politi #91 poses during media day at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: MLB photos via USA TODAY Sports

• Familiarity may help Politi go back to navigating his way up through the Red Sox organization. But with a restocked Boston bullpen standing in his way, Politi is still going to have trouble grabbing a spot without injuries making him a necessity.

  The Red Sox already have closer Kenley Jansen, along with Garrett Whitlock, John Schreiber, Ryan Brasier, Chris Martin, Josh Winckowski, and Zack Kelly for right-handed relief. Whitlock (hip surgery) will start the season on the injured list, but there will need to be more attrition in Boston for an opening to come up for Politi.

  The Red Sox kick off the 2023 regular season on Thursday night against Politi’s now-former team, the Orioles, at Fenway Park. Here’s where you can watch the game.

• Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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