In the span of a few hours on Tuesday, the Red Sox lost both of the relievers they acquired at the trade deadline to injuries.

Right-handers Lucas Sims and Luis García both went on the 15-day injured list late Tuesday afternoon. Sims has been dealing with a right lat strain, García has right-elbow inflammation.

Right-hander Greg Weissert has been recalled from Triple-A to fill Sims’ spot on the roster. Josh Winckowski, originally optioned to Triple-A the evening prior, was in the clubhouse on Tuesday afternoon as the Red Sox waited for results on García. He’s taking García’s place.

It’s a double-blow to a bullpen that was struggling mightily before the trade deadline, and continued to struggle even after Sims and García arrived. Since the All-Star break, the Red Sox’s 20 save opportunities lead the American League and rank second in the Majors behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. They’ve successfully converted just six of those 20 opportunities. Boston’s 26 blown saves overall this season are tied with the Dodgers for second in the Majors; only the Chicago White Sox, who entered Tuesday with a 31-101 record, have more.

“Very, very,” manager Alex Cora said when asked how optimistic he was when the Red Sox added Sims, García, and starting pitcher James Paxton – who went on the 60-day injured list last week – at the trade deadline. “Especially where we were, injury-wise. Just getting ‘Pax’ and two relievers, knowing that (Chris Martin) was coming back and (Justin) Slaten at one point. We needed arms around that time.”

Less than a month after the deadline, the Red Sox are without all three pitching additions, as well as the several top prospects they traded away to get them.

Red Sox injury updates

Trevor Story continues making progress in his journey back from his April shoulder surgery. He hit off the Trajekt Arc – the new robotic machine that can mimic any MLB pitcher’s pitches – on Monday. Though Cora said he didn’t believe the veteran shortstop will be ready to go on a rehab assignment this coming weekend, he called the Trajekt “a big step” for Story. “Trending in the right direction,” Cora said of Story getting to play before season’s end.