Why Did Boston Red Sox Option Effective Rookie Reliever to Triple-A Worcester?

The Boston Red Sox activated left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe from the 15-day injured list ahead of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Coulombe had been sidelined since May 4 with cervical spasms and made two rehab appearances in the minors, first in Portland and then Worcester, allowing a solo homer in 0.2 innings. He signed a one-year, $1 million deal in mid-March and had appeared in 12 games before landing on the IL, posting five runs across eight innings for a 5.63 ERA. To clear a roster spot, rookie Tyler Samaniego was optioned to Triple-A Worcester; Colorado State? No. Moran is out of options and Weissert has struggled, so Boston may shuffle again if Coulombe falters. First pitch in Fenway is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET as Sonny Gray faces Bailey Ober and the Twins.