Since Robert Stock last pitched for the Red Sox in 2020, the right-hander has traveled all over the world. He’s pitched in Korea, Mexico and in indy ball, all in an effort to make it back to the majors.

Now things are coming full circle.

Stock was selected to the Red Sox big league roster on Monday, marking his first time on an MLB roster since 2021, when he split time between the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets. The 35-year-old will fill the 40-man spot opened after the club traded fellow right-hander Quinn Priester to the Milwaukee Brewers earlier in the day, and to clear space on the active roster the club optioned righty Cooper Criswell to Triple-A.

“It feels incredible to be back,” Stock said, adding that he learned the news in unusual fashion. “We were flying on a plane back to Worcester and the manager texted me and he said ‘hey they want you to know ASAP that you’re going up, but the fasten seatbelt sign is on, so I’ve never done it via text before but you’re going to the big leagues.'”

Originally a second-round pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, Stock has appeared in 55 MLB games in four seasons between 2018-21. He’s posted a 4.71 ERA in 72.2 career innings, but since his last stint in affiliated ball he’s worked far from the spotlight to earn himself another shot. Last season he enjoyed a breakthrough in Mexico, winning the Mexican Pacific Winter League’s pitching triple crown after going 10-2 with a 1.60 ERA and 78 strikeouts.

That performance helped earn him a minor league deal and a non-roster invite to Red Sox spring training, and while he did not make the Opening Day roster, he made a strong impression on club officials and will now have a chance to make his mark in the bullpen once again.

“It’s been an arduous journey,” Stock said. “I did a lot of developing in those years and I’m hoping I can hit the ground running in the big leagues and never look back.”