The Boston Red Sox made a bevy of roster moves Friday following yesterday’s busy trade deadline to prepare for a three-game series with the New York Yankees. The transactions continue to change the face of the Boston team as it transitions from bearded 2013 World Series winners to one, with or without beards, that can hopefully compete in 2015 and beyond.
I will miss the Mike Carp era. I'll never forget his 0-for-8 in the playoffs or the way that he looked like the bassist from Mumford & Sons.
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) August 1, 2014
That’s right, Mike Carp has been designated for assignment. Carp made his “hey, what about me?” trade request last week; it seemed he would be a good fit for a contending team in need of a bench bat. He hit .296/.362/.523 off the pine last season for Boston but had struggled with injury in 2014 and his role was marginalized with the recent acquisitions of Yoenis Cespedes and Allen Craig.
The Red Sox could not find a trade partner, so it’s “happy trails” for Mr. Carp.
Additionally, Shane Victorino, another veteran name amidst the outfield glut, has returned to the disabled list. Perhaps his removal from Wednesday night’s game was indeed more than a precautionary measure. It was reported that he underwent an MRI (back) this morning.
Victorino had been hitting the ball well before this development, with a .344 (11-for-32) average since his most recent return from the DL. Mookie Betts returns from Pawtucket to join the big club.
Shane Victorino back on the disabled list for the third time this season. Mookie Betts in Boston for the time being: http://t.co/Am4lybMXM8
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) August 1, 2014
As a result of the Stephen Drew deal, Will Middlebrooks is back on the roster. Sure, Middlebrooks is a thumper and the Red Sox need to figure out what they’ve got with this guy, but what about our guy Brock Holt?
It sounds like Brock Holt will platoon both with Bradley in the outfield and with Middlebrooks and Bogaerts in the infield.
— Brian MacPherson (@brianmacp) August 1, 2014
Phew. #HoltAMania is still the most powerful force in the universe.
Oh, and Alex Wilson and Tommy Layne are back up, picking up some of the slack from Andrew Miller‘s departure.