SAN DIEGO — Red Sox starting catcher Carlos Narváez has been sidelined since first experiencing soreness in his knee Tuesday.
Backup catcher Connor Wong is in the lineup for a third straight game.
“Carlos went through a full workout today,” Cora said Saturday at Petco Park. “He’s going to hit and run the bases.”
Narváez would be able to catch today in an emergency situation.
“He’s ready to catch,” Cora said.
That brings up another interesting question: Who is Boston’s emergency catcher if both Narváez and Wong suffer injuries in the same game?
“(Abraham) Toro. He doesn’t know it but it’s Toro,” Cora said, smiling.
Toro caught 15 games in the minors, all coming in 2017 during his first full season of pro ball.
Cora said Friday that Narváez would probably return to the lineup Sunday, though the manager said today that he got “ahead of himself” and Wong might catch Brayan Bello in the three-game series finale against San Diego tomorrow.
Cora said it is not because Narváez won’t be ready to play physically. It’s because Bello and Wong have worked well together as battery mates recently.
“Just what we’ve got going with Bello,” Cora said. “So if he doesn’t start tomorrow, he’ll start Monday.”
Catcher Alí Sanchez, who the Red Sox claimed off waivers from the Blue Jays on Friday, will not be activated today. The Red Sox will have until Monday to activate him.
Sanchez is out of minor league options. Wong has one minor league option remaining, meaning he could be sent to Triple-A Worcester.
Other possible scenarios exist. The Red Sox could always designate Sanchez for assignment before even activating him, placing him back on waivers.
They also could carry three catchers. Wong is athletic and provides versatility being able to play at first, second and third base. Utility David Hamilton could be optioned to Worcester if Boston chooses this route.
“There’s a lot of conversations about what we’re going to do whenever we make the transaction,” Cora said. “So we’ll get there.”
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