Red Sox claim Doug Fister off release waivers

The Red Sox have claimed right-hander Doug Fister off release waivers, a source told SB Nation on Friday afternoon. Fister recently opted out of his contract with the Angels after three Triple-A starts and will immediately join Boston’s major-league club.

Fister, 33, signed a one-year, major-league deal with the Angels in mid-May but never reached the majors before his opt-out date Wednesday. He allowed seven earned runs on 16 hits in 15.2 innings for Triple-A Salt Lake, ultimately deciding to pursue other major-league opportunities instead of staying in the minors with Los Angeles.

Fister will provide valuable pitching depth for the Red Sox, slotting behind Chris Sale, Drew Pomeranz, David Price and Rick Porcello in a group that currently has Stephen Wright, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brian Johnson and Roenis Elias on the disabled list. Boston was slated to go with righty Hector Velazquez as a short-term option in the wake of injuries to Rodriguez and Johnson, though Fister appears to be getting a chance to contribute in the majors right away.

Fister will receive $1.75 million in the majors from the Red Sox, with $1.2 million available in additional incentives based on starts and appearances.

Fister last appeared in the majors last season with Houston, posting a 4.64 ERA and 5.7 K/9 in 180.1 innings. He’s logged eight major-league seasons with the Mariners (2009-11), Tigers (2011-13), Nationals (2014-15) and Astros (2016).