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Race to 25: Update on the Red Sox Roster Battles

By Max Sandgrund

Sep 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly (56) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly (56) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 17, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright (35) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Seventh Spot in the Bullpen (RHP)

The final spot in the Red Sox bullpen will go to a right-hander capable of working multiple innings, but it remains unclear if that is a requirement for the spot.  As of now, the competition for this spot is strong, including the prohibited favorites, Steven Wright and Matt Barnes.  However, this is subject to development as the Spring goes on and guys like Carlos Marmol, Noe Ramirez and Pat Light try to establish themselves for consideration.

What happened this week?

Wright has started two games for the Red Sox this Spring.  He pitched two innings in the team’s exhibition against Boston College and three innings against the Yankees yesterday.  Against the college hitters, Wright was great, giving up two hits, but registering four strikeouts.  However, against the Yankees, he struggled.  In his three innings, he gave up five hits, including a HR, and two earned runs.  Wright’s current stat line this Spring: 5 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K.

Barnes has been solid in his two appearances this Spring.  He pitched a clean inning against Boston College, registering one strikeout, and a scoreless inning against the Twins, where he gave up two hits, but struck out two batters.  Barnes’ current stat line this Spring: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K.

Who won the week?

It has to be Barnes.  Although Wright looked good against Boston College, he struggle in yesterday’s outing against the Yankees, and while he is the favorite for this spot due to the fact he is out of minor league options, the Red Sox are not going to hand him the spot on that fact alone.  Wright will have to earn it, especially with a pitcher like Barnes chasing him, as Barnes is capable of dialing up his fastball to the high 90s and that is something GM Dave Dombrowkski prefers from his pitching.

Next: Starting Third Baseman

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