Red Sox Roster Moves: Option Bradley, Recall Britton, Outright Aceves

Yesterday, the Red Sox made a fair number of minor, but still interesting roster moves. First off, yesterday afternoon, reports announced that they had optioned Jackie Bradley Jr. to Triple-A Pawtucket and called Drake Britton up to the major leagues to serve out of the bullpen. Last night, more reports surfaced that Alfredo Aceves had been outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket. The term “outrighted” means that Aceves was not only removed from the 25-man roster, he was also removed from the 40-man roster, clearing a roster space for whomever the Red Sox may need for the stretch run.

Feb 17, 2013; Fort Myers FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Drake Britton (66) poses during photo day at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The first roster move of the day is a long time coming. Bradley Jr. started just one game and came off the bench once in his week in the majors; he needs to be playing everyday and this was unacceptable. Drake Britton will be called up to get his first taste of the major leagues. SoxProspects ranks him as the #13 prospect in the system and, despite being Britton being a starter his entire minor league career, sees Britton as a future reliever. They cite his inconsistent fastball control and occasional inability to repeat his delivery. Despite all this, Britton has had a good season in the minors this year, as he had a 3.51 ERA, 7.40 K/9, and 3.33 BB/9 in Portland, making just one start in Pawtucket on the season and getting roughed up for 5 earned runs in 5.1 innings.

The Aceves move is a potentially interesting one down the stretch. Aceves has not been terrible in Boston this year, posting a 4.86 ERA in 11 games (6 starts). However, he has not really done his job either. It is fascinating to consider what the Red Sox may do with this open 40-man roster spot. An obvious consideration would have to be that the Red Sox are planning to add top prospect Xander Bogaerts, who has a .294/.390/.489 slash line between Double-A and Triple-A ball. This could solidify the struggling third base position down the stretch in a similar way to what the Orioles did with top prospect Manny Machado last season. We’ll likely know in a few days what the Red Sox plan on doing with this 40-man roster spot.