BOSTON — The Red Sox placed left-handed reliever Brennan Bernardino on the 15-day injured list Friday due to a left lat strain.

They recalled lefty reliever Chris Murphy from Triple-A Worcester to take his spot.

Bernardino’s IL stint is retroactive to Sept. 10, so he will be eligible to return Sept. 25 at the earliest. The Red Sox are in Toronto that day, playing the final game of a three-game series against the Blue Jays.

Bernardino has posted a 3.14 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 55 outings (51 ⅔ innings) for Boston this season. Opponents have batted just .205 against him, but walks have been an issue (4.5 walks per nine innings).

“Playing catch the last day in Sacramento, felt something grab him below the shoulder,” manager Alex Cora said. “So he had an MRI yesterday. It was a strain. S

See Full Page