The Red Sox are eagerly anticipating Tyler Thornburg's debut with the team, more than a year and a half after acquiring him in a trade with the Brewers. Thornburg is expected to be activated in the coming days after recovering from last year's surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome in his throwing shoulder.
That said, the Red Sox are developing a backup plan to fortify their bullpen, in case Thornburg's health or performance falters.
Sources say the Red Sox are among the teams in contact with the Marlins about their late-inning relief pitchers, including Kyle Barraclough, Adam Conley and Drew Steckenrider.
Barraclough, a potential National League All-Star who has eight saves for the Marlins, is especially intriguing. Barraclough could become a key setup reliever for Boston in the second half and possibly inherit the closer's role in 2019, if Craig Kimbrel departs as a free agent. Barraclough, 28, isn't eligible for free agency until after the '21 season.
MLB.com previously reported the Dodgers have had dialogue with the Marlins about the same group of relievers.