The Boston Red Sox have the chance to strengthen their bullpen with another important player.

Boston has a good chance of securing a wild card spot in the American League, but must make up ground in the next few weeks. The Red Sox bullpen has not been as successful as hoped since the All-Star break. The Red Sox currently rank 27th in bullpen scoring with an ERA of 4.45.

The Red Sox have lost some key players and have had numerous injuries. Boston should be looking for ways to improve the bullpen in the final stretch, and a player recently became available who could help.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, the Chicago Cubs have surprisingly placed reliever Drew Smyly on waivers.

“The Chicago Cubs have placed veteran pitcher Drew Smyly on waivers for postseason contenders as they seek a left-handed reliever,” Nightengale said.

Smyly would be a great, inexpensive signing for the Red Sox at this point. He has appeared in 39 games so far this season and has an impressive 2.84 ERA and a 43-to-18 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 50 2/3 innings pitched.

If the Red Sox could get him, Smyly would be another reliable left-hander for a bullpen that really needs him. Boston has a chance to get back into the playoffs, but they need to take care of the bullpen. If they could get Smyly, that would be even better for them.

Boston could use a boost and Smyly could certainly provide that.

More MLB: Red Sox bring back fan favorites as playoff chances fade, insider says