NEW YORK -- Manager John Farrell didn't hide his disappointment with the performance of the Red Sox bullpen in the series opener Tuesday night.
But there were no changes to the composition of the bullpen in the middle game of the series.
"It's a discussion that Ben and I have that's ongoing,'' said Farrell of the makeup of the bullpen. "To say there's somebody walking through the door today...that's not the case. But we've got to be better than what's been taking place lately.''
What's been taking place lately has indeed been horrendous. On Tuesday night, the bullpen was lit up for 10 runs over the final three innings. And over the last eight games, covering 31 1/3 innings, Red Sox relievers have given up 40 hits and 24 earned runs for an ERA of 6.89.
Overall, Red Sox relievers are ranked 12th in the A.L. with a 4.07 ERA before Wednesday's action.
The Sox had plans to shift Joe Kelly to the bullpen to see if he could contribute in relief. But the elbow injury to Brian Johnson got in the way. The plan had been to summon Johnson from Pawtucket and shift Kelly out of the rotation.
The only other viable option in Pawtucket is Ryan Cook, the team's lone acquisition on deadline day. Cook had been pitching at Triple A for Oakland, but reported to Boston and was activated Sunday -- only to be shipped out to make room for Henry Owens.
Boston Red Sox
Find the latest Boston Red Sox news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
The Sox plan to recall Cook soon, but must now wait another eight days after optioning him to Pawtucket.
Even Matt Barnes may no longer be an option. After a few different stints in the big leagues out of the bullpen, Barnes is being used as a starter again in Pawtucket -- a reflection of the team's diminishing starter depth, but also, an indictment of how he performed as a reliever.