BOSTON — Over the last few weeks, the Red Sox have gotten some valuable contributions from a number of their depth players — guys who have played multiple positions and helped to give the team some platoon advantages.
But now, with Masataka Yoshida set to return to the lineup Wedneday and Alex Bregman perhaps soon to follow, that means a few players will have to go to create room on the team’s active 26-man roster.
It’s a sign of how improved the roster depth has gotten that these will not be easy decisions. But it won’t be easy.
“It’s good to have a lot of good players on the same roster,” said Alex Cora. “This is where we’re at roster-wise. It’s not difficult. It’s the nature of the roster. (Richard Fitts) won (Monday) and we optioned him. It seems like the roster is a lot better than the last two years.
“This is what it’s all about — making decisions based on what we need up here and understanding that there are guys, who, if something happens, they’re going to be ready to come back and contribute.”
A look at the candidates to go as Yoshida and Bregman return:
Nate Eaton: Eaton came out of nowhere this year, arriving in spring training as a non-roster invitee. He opened eyes with his play in Fort Myers, and since arriving in mid-June, has played in 13 of the last 19 games, including seven starts. The Sox love the energy and speed he brings and have had him in the leadoff spot a number of times in the last week. But Eaton is a third base/outfield option, and the return of Bregman will limit opportunities at third. Meanwhile, the outfield picture is already crowded. He has remaining options.
David Hamilton: Hamilton has never gotten untracked at the plate this year, which is partly a function of not getting a lot of opportunities to play. He remains an elite baserunner (and base stealer) and is an elite defender. But since June 27, Hamilton has appeared in just three games. He could share playing time at second going forward, but it’s noteworthy that the Sox are trying different options at second recently, including Romy Gonzalez. Like Eaton, Hamilton has remaining options.
Marcelo Mayer: There’s been at least some discussion internally that Mayer could benefit from more regular playing time at Worcester. Notably, when Cora was asked Tuesday whether he expected Mayer to move to second base upon Bregman’s return, he evaded the question and said that was something to be discussed later. Mayer hasn’t yet demonstrated that he can hit lefthanded pitching at the big league level. With Bregman returning, Mayer’s options would be limited to second base (and backup shortstop) with Bregman reclaiming full-time third base duties.
Abraham Toro: Toro has wielded a hot bat for the last two months. From May 9 through Monday, he was hitting .309 with an OPS of .824. He’s a switch-hitter, which is a bonus on a lefty-leaning team and can play both corner infield spots, though he’s not particularly good at either. He’s also out of options, meaning the Red Sox would have to hope that he clears waivers to get outright him to Worcester.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
