BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox claimed pitcher Ryan Rupe off waivers on Wednesday, the team's first player move under new general manager Theo Epstein.

Rupe, 27, was released Tuesday by Tampa Bay after four seasons with the Devil Rays. He had season-ending arthroscopic surgery in August after experiencing tendinitis in his right knee, and finished the season with a 5-10 record and a 5.60 ERA with two complete games in 15 starts

In his first three big league seasons, all with Tampa Bay, the 6-foot-5 right-hander was 18-27 with a 5.90 ERA in 68 starts and two relief appearance. His best season was his rookie year, in 1999, when he was 8-9 with a 4.55 ERA.

Epstein, who turns 29 next month, said he was confident he would reach a contract agreement with Rupe.

He became the youngest general manager in major league baseball history earlier this week when he was promoted from assistant general manager. Mike Port was interim general manager after Dan Duquette was fired in February.