Sonny Gray made a triumphant return from the injured list on Wednesday, giving the Boston Red Sox an instant boost and helping them secure a sweep against the Detroit Tigers. The three-time All-Star was sidelined with a right hamstring strain since April 20, but he didn't miss a beat in his first start back—no rehab assignment needed.

Facing the Tigers at Comerica Park, Gray delivered five scoreless innings, outdueling Detroit's Jack Flaherty in a 4-0 victory that clinched Boston's first series sweep of the season. The right-hander was efficient and effective, throwing 44 of his 70 pitches for strikes while allowing just four hits and two walks. He struck out two batters and generated four whiffs, showing solid command even if his trademark swing-and-miss stuff wasn't fully there yet.

Manager Chad Tracy kept a cautious leash on Gray, pulling him after 20 batters and 70 pitches. But the 36-year-old still lasted long enough to earn the win, improving to 3-1 with a 3.54 ERA on the year. It was a crucial outing for a Red Sox rotation that has been shorthanded due to injuries, and Gray answered the call by stabilizing things in style.

Gray has now allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts, a stretch that underscores his value to this pitching staff. While his strikeout rate sits at a career-low 4.8 K/9—suggesting there's still room for improvement—his ability to pitch deep into games and keep runs off the board is exactly what Boston needs right now.

The win also marked Boston's fifth shutout of the year, a testament to the team's improving pitching depth. Gray is scheduled to make his next start early next week against the Philadelphia Phillies at home, and if Wednesday was any indication, the Red Sox are getting back a key piece at just the right time.