Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that coaches are working with Oviedo to be more explosive with his delivery, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. "Just a big dude that we gotta get moving," Cora said of the 6-foot-6, 275-pound right-hander. "Not work faster as far as like tempo, but move faster. And I think we accomplished that today."

EDGE Analysis

Oviedo threw a two-inning live batting practice Thursday, and the manager said he's getting closer to what coaches are looking for. Cora also raved about the right-hander's extension, but strike-throwing remains key for the hurler, whose first spring start is scheduled for Wednesday against the Twins. Oviedo appears to be the frontrunner for a spot at the back end of the rotation. One candidate, Kutter Crawford (wrist), could open the season on the injured list, and two others, Connelly Early and Payton Tolle, may begin the year at Triple-A Worcester. Left-hander Patrick Sandoval is also in the mix, but he missed all of 2025 with an elbow injury.

Oviedo's fastball improved significantly upon his return from elbow surgery in 2025, Mike Petriello of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Surface indicators aren't particularly kind to Oviedo, but the Red Sox took a deeper dive and liked the direction of the right-hander's fastball. Prior to undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery in 2024, Oviedo had a decent-enough campaign over 177.2 innings for the Pirates in 2023. That's when he finished 11th in MLB with a plus-11 Run Value on his slider. His fastball, however, was at the other end of the spectrum, minus-10 (178th out of 179 qualified starters). Oviedo's four-seamer had respectable velocity (96 mph) but poor vertical movement. Upon his return in 2025, both metrics showed significant improvement. The pitch that allowed a .275 batting average and .465 slugging percentage in 2023 dropped to .149/.383, while its Whiff rate climbed from 18.5 percent to 31.3. Its Stuff+ metric rose from 82 in 2023 to 115 last year. The Red Sox believe they're getting in on Oviedo at the right time, but it's important to note the small sample size in 2025 -- just 40.1 innings -- and that Oviedo's already troublesome walk rate (4.2 BB/9 in 2023) ticked higher to 5.1 in 2025.

Oviedo signed a one-year, $1.55 million contract with the Red Sox on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

EDGE Analysis

A lat strain prevented Oviedo from making his first appearance of 2025 until August, at which point he turned in a 3.57 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 40.1 innings in nine starts with the Pirates. After being traded to Boston in December, the 27-year-old will take in a $700,000 raise from his new club and look to win a spot in the Sox's rotation during spring training.

Oviedo was traded from the Pirates to the Red Sox in exchange for Jhostynxon Garcia and an additional player Thursday,Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After acquiring Sonny Gray earlier in the offseason, the Red Sox remained aggressive in upgrading their rotation this winter. Oviedo rehabbed from Tommy John surgery for much of the 2025 season, though he managed to join the Pirates' rotation for the final two months of the campaign. In nine starts, Oviedo managed a 3.57 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with a 42:23 K:BB across 40.1 frames. Control has been a consistent concern for Oviedo throughout his 361.0 innings in the big leagues, but he should be a decent back-end starter for the Red Sox.

Oviedo (2-1) allowed two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out three over five innings to take the loss Sunday versus Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Oviedo gave up a two-run home run to Ronald Acuna in the first inning, and that was ultimately enough to prevent the right-hander from staying undefeated this season. He was rarely bad but also failed to stand out in his nine starts, walking exactly three batters on seven occasions while failing to complete six frames in any outing. Overall, he finished with a 3.57 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 42:23 K:BB over 40.1 innings, which is a fine performance after returning from a December 2023 Tommy John surgery.

Oviedo did not factor in the decision during Tuesday's win over the Reds. He allowed two runs on two hits and three walks over 4.2 innings while striking out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Oviedo coughed up a two-run shot to Elly De La Cruz in the second inning but otherwise didn't face much trouble. It was Oviedo's fifth straight time issuing three walks, and he's done so in six of his eight starts this year. However, he set new season bests with seven punchouts and 12 swinging strikes, including four with his fastball. Oviedo is not expected to make another start this season, which means he will likely end the year with a 3.57 ERA and a 39:20 K:BB through 35.1 frames. He did not make his season debut until Aug. 4 after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Oviedo didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Cubs, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs got to Oviedo early Wednesday, scoring four runs on four hits in the first inning, including a pair of homers. However, the right-hander managed to settle in and blank Chicago over his final four frames, allowing just one additional hit. The four runs mark the most given up by Oviedo through seven starts this season. His ERA sits at 3.52 with a 1.24 WHIP and 32:17 K:BB across 30.2 innings.

Oviedo did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Orioles, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks across 5.2 innings. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Ovideo's 5.2 innings pitched mark a season high in five starts since rejoining the Pirates in August. The right-hander has yet to allow more than two runs in an outing, posting a 2.81 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP and 29:14 K:BB across 25.2 innings overall. Oviedo's currently lined up to face the Cubs at home in his next outing.

Oviedo came away with a no-decision in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Brewers, allowing one unearned run on one hit and three walks over five innings. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander left the mound after 78 pitches (45 strikes) with the Bucs clinging to a 2-1 lead, but the bullpen cost Oviedo his third win almost immediately. He's been impressive in four starts since joining the rotation in late August, posting a 1.89 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 21:8 K:BB through 19 innings, but he has yet to last more than five innings or reach 80 pitches in any outing. Oviedo is scheduled to make his next start on the road next week in Baltimore.

Oviedo (2-0) picked up the win in Saturday's 10-3 victory over the Red Sox, giving up two runs on three hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out six.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander was lifted after 79 pitches (48 strikes), sticking around just long enough for the Pirates' offense to erase an early 2-1 deficit, and then some. Oviedo has looked good in three starts since rejoining the rotation, posting a 2.57 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 17:5 K:BB over 14 innings. He'll look to stay sharp in his next trip to the mound, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Brewers.