Projo Sox Blog

BOSTON -- Even though there's a New York Mets equipment bag atop his locker stall at Fenway Park, Billy Wagner made his official Red Sox debut on Sunday in fine fashion.

The veteran left-handed reliever spent 15 seasons in the National League and introduced himself to the A.L. and the Blue Jays by striking out the side in the top of the eighth inning. His fastball was moving and his slider was slick.

Since joining the Red Sox earlier in the week after a trade from the Mets for a pair of players to be named later, Wagner has been champing at the bit to prove himself in a Red Sox uniform.

"It was great to join the team," he said. "Sitting on the bench and wearing the uniform doesn't put you on the team, you kind of have to earn your stripes, and this was a small little stripe to earn to get their confidence and let them see me first-hand."

Prior to his arrival, Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon wasn't sure Wagner was needed in the bullpen. But if he can continue to throw the ball the way he did on Sunday, Wagner's presence will be welcome down the stretch.

"That was nice. I think he was kind of busting at the seams to get in there," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "We're really fortunate with the way it worked out today. The ball came out of his hand nice and he threw some good breaking balls that were pretty tight. It was very encouraging."

Wagner said he wasn't too fired up about his debut, and that he tried to keep it simple.

"I had some adrenaline, but I was under control and I like to keep it like that. It was fun," he said.

The 38-year-old southpaw underwent Tommy John surgery last September and recently made his return to the mound, making two appearances and working two scoreless innings for the Mets prior to the trade. He said he feels his fastball has a little bit more life and his slider has a lot more break since he's returned from the surgery.

When he walked off the mound after his one inning of work for the Red Sox on Sunday, he received a standing ovation.

"It was only my first outing and there's a long road ahead. It's fun when you come to the ballpark and you're expecting to win and not hoping to win," he said. "I recovered real well and that's always a plus. Today was good."

 Tags  Billy Wagner Jonathan Papelbon Terry Francona

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