MILWAUKEE -- After a second straight uninspiring start by Kyle Kendrick in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to the Brewers, the Red Sox optioned the veteran right-hander to Triple-A Pawtucket.
In a corresponding move, lefty reliever Robbie Ross Jr. was recalled from Pawtucket on Thursday morning.
With an off-day coming up on Monday, the Red Sox don't need a fifth starter again until May 20 in Oakland.
At that point, they'll likely recall a pitcher from Pawtucket to serve as a placeholder until David Price is ready to start his season. Christopher Johnson, Henry Owens and Hector Velazquez are the top contenders to get that start against the A's.
Price starts a Minor League rehab assignment on Sunday and could be ready to start for Boston by the end of the month, possibly as early as May 24.
• Price to make first rehab start Sunday
Kendrick got his chance to join the rotation following the season-ending left knee injury suffered by knuckleballer Steven Wright. But Kendrick didn't take advantage of the opportunity, going 0-2 with a 12.96 ERA. He was unable to complete five innings in either start.
Against the Brewers on Wednesday, Kendrick gave up 10 hits and six earned runs over 4 1/3 innings.
"This game's about results," Kendrick said. "I mean, you've got to go out there and give the team a chance to win. The last two starts haven't been that. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't."
The addition of Ross gives the Red Sox a chance to regroup in the bullpen after two abbreviated starts to start the series against the Brewers.