WooSox pitcher Kaleb Ort during a game at Polar Park in 2021. (Katie Morrison / MassLive)

WORCESTER -- WooSox closer Kaleb Ort was promoted to the Red Sox on Saturday as Hansel Robles, who was designated for assignment earlier in the week, was released.

Ort has been one of Worcester’s best relievers over the last two seasons, racking up 34 saves between 2021 and 2022 for the WooSox. This season he’s posted a 3.12 ERA in 33 games and is 15-for-17 in save situations.

“You can’t put it into words,” WooSox manager Chad Tracy said of what Ort meant to the WooSox. “Obviously he’s closing for a reason, but he’s been the most reliable guy down there for us all year. It’s been quite a while now since anybody scored on him.”

Indeed, Ort is in the midst of a scoreless streak dating back to June 16. He’s strung together 10 straight scoreless appearances, allowing just three hits over that 9 1/3 innings and striking out 14.

“Having him down there in games where we get late and close and we’re winning the game and you know that you’ve got that guy to pitch the ninth inning,” Tracy said. “It’s been our safety blanket, knowing that he’s there and that we feel like most of the time he’s gonna get the job done.”

Ort, who came over to the WooSox prior to the 2021 season after being selected from the Yankees in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 draft, could make his 2022 debut against his former organization. The 30-year-old made his major-league debut last season for the Red Sox during the stretch in September when multiple players hit the COVID IL. He only got a small taste of pitching in the majors, throwing a third of an inning and giving up a hit and a walk against the Mariners on September 13.

The righty was one of the few remaining options left in the bullpen on Saturday night as the Red Sox went to extra innings with the Yankees, so it’s very possible he could see action in the series finale on Sunday.

“He’s been incredible,” Tracy said. They have a need and he deserves the opportunity. Like I always say, I hope he’s there to stay. But certainly him not being here, we’ll miss him for sure, because he has been huge for us all year.”

The loss of the WooSox closer opens up some more late and close innings and save opportunities for other members of the bullpen, some of whom are recent call-ups, but some who are guys vying to get back to the majors. Among those is Darwinzon Hernandez, who pitched a scoreless inning on Saturday. He’s been inconsistent as he’s battled to come back from injuries, but hasn’t allowed a run and has only given up two hits and struck out five in 2 1/3 innings since coming off the injured list.

Eduard Bazardo made a couple of appearances for the Red Sox in 2021 and has been one of the WooSox’ strongest relievers this season, posting a 2.18 ERA in 25 games (33 innings), averaging over a strikeout an inning. Frank German has also pitched well since his promotion to Worcester in May, but with a crowded bullpen, he hasn’t gotten as many chances at late and close innings as of late.

WooSox become the PawSox again for the day

The WooSox paid tribute to the team that preceded them on PawSox Heritage Day at Polar Park on Saturday. The team donned the white home PawSox uniforms, though they had to do some shuffling with the usual numbers because not all the sizes corresponded to the WooSox uniforms.

The WooSox wore the old PawSox home jerseys during their game on July 9, 2022 at Polar Park. (Katie Morrison / MassLive)

The WooSox wore old PawSox uniforms, including these hats, during their game on July 9, 2022 at Polar Park. (Katie Morrison / MassLive)

Former Red Sox pitcher and Pawtucket native Ken Ryan signed autographs in the Sherwood Diner, and ormer Red Sox and PawSox manager Joe Morgan, 91, who was the longest-serving manager in the Pawtucket’s history, was on hand to say ‘play ball.’

Former PawSox and Red Sox manager Joe Morgan was on hand for PawSox Heritage Day pic.twitter.com/GHFrNxSvFg

And of course, mascots Paws and Sox were on hand, joining Smiley and Woofster.

PawSox mascots Paws and Sox joined the WooSox mascots on PawSox Heritage Day on July 9, 2022 at Polar Park. (Katie Morrison / MassLive)

PawSox mascots Paws and Sox joined the WooSox mascots on PawSox Heritage Day on July 9, 2022 at Polar Park. (Katie Morrison / MassLive)

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