Jul 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) during the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Other Notable Options
Boston could technically add 10 other players to the roster even after accounting for the five we’ve already discussed, but I wouldn’t count on it. However, there are a few other players that could receive a call-up, even if it’s not to start the month.
Jonathan Aro and Noe Ramirez have both been given brief stints in the bullpen this season. Neither was successful, but it doesn’t hurt to have a couple of extra arms in the ‘pen to eat up innings so that the other relievers don’t get burned out.
I suppose they could give Ryan Cook another shot for the same reasons, if they are gluttons for punishment. The former Oakland A’s closer has been torched for 9 runs in only 2.0 innings of work since being acquired by the Red Sox. That’s a staggering 40.50 ERA! You can argue it’s a minuscule sample size and he can’t possibly continue to be that bad, but it’s not like he pitched much better earlier this season before Oakland gave up on him.
The Red Sox also have several players that could return from injury in the near future. Clay Buchholz, Dustin Pedroia and Steven Wright are all currently on the disabled list, but haven’t been ruled out for the season. If the team waits until September then they can activate them without having to option anyone to make room on the roster.
There are only four other players on the 40-man roster: Bryce Brentz, John Cornely, Sean Coyle and Edwin Escobar. None of them have performed well enough to warrant a call-up, so even if they did find their way to Boston this season, it’s doubtful they would make much of an impact.