Red Sox solidify position player portion of roster
Later within the day, the staff additionally appeared to have set their pitching workers once they optioned righthanders Zack Kelly and Tyler Uberstine and lefthander Payton Tolle and reassigned righthander Tommy Kahnle to minor league camp. Barring one thing surprising that places lefthanders Danny Coulombe and Connelly Early on the roster, together with righthander Johan Oviedo.
With 5 outfielders on the roster — Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Masataka Yoshida — Cora stated the Sox could be aggressive pinch hitting late in video games.
“Having [Wong] behind the plate if he doesn’t start or it’s the other way around is a must for me,” Cora stated. “I’m very comfortable where we’re at. “We’re going to be versatile and we’re going to have some good weapons coming off the bench.”
Utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa and first baseman Willson Contreras even have catching expertise and may very well be utilized in an emergency.
Monasterio, 28, is a righthanded hitter who has main league expertise in any respect 4 infield positions. He was obtained from Milwaukee simply earlier than the beginning of spring coaching in a six-player trade that additionally returned third baseman Caleb Durbin.
Monasterio has performed all 4 infield positions throughout spring coaching and hit .300 with an .808 OPS over 17 video games.
“Good athlete, versatile, a good at-bat against lefties,” Cora stated.
Cora stated the Sox would introduce Monasterio to the outfield over time. But that is much less of a priority with Kiner-Falefa on the bench.
The Sox additionally determined to retain reliever Ryan Watson, their Rule 5 choose from the Giants through the Athletics. The 28-year-old righthander was near tears describing being advised he was lastly a serious leaguer.
“It’s something I’ve been working really hard for my whole life,” he stated. “It’s a lot of emotion.”
Watson allowed seven earned runs on seven hits and in his first 5 innings. But his final 4 appearances had been a lot sharper and persuaded the Sox to present him an opportunity as a multi-inning reliever.
Cora had two former Rule 5 picks, Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock, in her workplace to assist in giving Watson the excellent news.
Coulombe, who was signed March 13pitched a scoreless sixth inning in Monday’s 9-6 loss against the Twins. He will seemingly keep again when the staff travels to Cincinnati to pitch once more Wednesday in a minor league sport.
Oviedo, who entered camp favored to say the final rotation spot, allowed six earned runs on six hits over 3 innings towards the Twins.
Five of these runs got here in an unpleasant fourth inning. Oviedo pitched properly in his earlier 4 begins however lacked fastball command Monday.
“The main goal was to be healthy and ready for the season,” Oviedo stated.
Cora stated the Sox are impressed with Oviedo’s stuff however wish to see extra consistency.
Early pitched 5 innings in a minor league sport, throwing 81 pitches. He allowed three runs on 5 hits and walked two with 5 strikeouts.
Either Early or Oviedo could be within the rotation with the others within the bullpen.
Lefthander Tyler Samaniego was optioned to minor league camp. He was one of the gamers acquired from the Pirates in December together with Oviedo. . . Anthony Eyanson was named to the All-Spring Breakout second staff. The 21-year-old righthander struck out three in one inning against the Orioles on Friday.
Peter Abraham will be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at peteabeglobe.bsky.social.
