Trlicek opened the season with the Boston Red Sox, and earned his first win with the team in his first game, as he threw 1.2 scoreless innings in the Red Sox 5-4 win over the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Trlicek struggled after that game though, as he was sent to the Pawtucket Red Sox with a 17.18 ERA in 6 games. Trlicek returned to Boston in June, however, he was demoted to the minors once again in early July. Boston then had Trlicek start with the New Britain Red Sox. In New Britain, Trlicek had a 0-1 record with a 0.73 ERA in 6 starts, before being recalled to Boston.