Walden works way back to McCoy

ton’s roster. At the time, he was seen as a middle reliever who had the potential to make a spot start when needed. When he was sent to Pawtucket, he was under orders to start games so that some of the guesswork could be taken out as far his workload each time out.

Before the game, PawSox manager Kevin Boles said that Walden will be in the bullpen for now. Despite an uneasy travel schedule that also saw Walden brush up against rainy weather, he was able to appear in two games for Single-A Lowell. With the Spinners, he allowed one run in 2.2 innings.

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EXTRA BASES: There was a very good reason why the PawSox placed reliever Kyle Martin on the temporary inactive list on Monday. It was so he could iron out the details that would enable him to pitch in Japan. Roughly 90 minutes before first pitch on Wednesday, the Red Sox announced that Martin had been released, thus freeing him up to head overseas. A 2013 ninthround pick out of Texas A&M, Martin appeared in 99 games for the PawSox since the start of the 2016 season. He spent the 2017 season on Boston’s 40man roster and made two appearances for the parent club. He was designated for assignment last September but resigned with the Sox. In 30 games with the PawSox in 2018, Martin posted a 3.33 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 51.1 innings. … Second baseman Brandon Phillips (muscle tightness in his chest) missed his second straight game. He’s considered day-to-day. … Boles was ejected in the sixth inning after protesting an out call at second base that involved outfielder Rusney Castillo. … Wednesday’s attendance was 3,681. … Jalen Beeks was originally scheduled to start Thursday’s series finale against Columbus. Now that he’s property of the Tampa Bay Rays, the PawSox have an opening. The team was holding off to naming a starter for the 11:05 a.m. first pitch, though it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see an addition come from Double-A Portland. Matt Kent (6-7, 3.44) is listed as Thursday’s probable for the Sea Dogs.