Red Sox trim roster with series of moves

The Boston Red Sox made a series of moves to trim their roster, leaving 27 players in major league camp.

With Opening Day only a week away, the Boston Red Sox are getting closer to narrowing their roster to the 25 men that will break camp with the big league team.

The Red Sox announced on Monday that they have released right-handed reliever Carlos Marmol, optioned infielder Deven Marrero to Triple-A Pawtucket and reassigned six others to minor league camp.

Marmol, who had an opt-out clause in his minor league contract, was considered a long shot to make the bullpen. The former closer has 117 career saves on his resume and an 11.6 K/9 rate that enticed the Red Sox into attempting to salvage his career, but the wildness that has always plagued him could not be controlled. The 33-year old allowed 3 earned runs in 4 innings this spring, striking out 5 but walking 7. In his last appearance he allowed a hit, three walks and threw a wild pitch before being lifted without recording an out. That’s not the way to win yourself a roster spot.

Marrero was always expected to begin the season in Pawtucket, where he will serve as organizational depth. He hit .257 with a .599 OPS in 20 games this spring, but is known more for his defense and ability to play multiple infield positions.

Infielder Josh Rutledge, first baseman/outfielder Allen Craig, outfielder Brennan Boesch, right-handed pitcher Anthony Varvaro and catches Dan Butler and Sandy Leon were all reassigned to minor league camp.

Varvaro has two opt-out clauses in his contract, but has decided to forgo the first one as he continues to work his way back from flexor tendon surgery that sidelined him most of last season. He has allowed 5 earned runs in 6 innings this spring, so it’s not the opportune time for him to seek a spot on another team’s roster.

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Craig, Leon, Rutledge and Varvaro will remain with the major league team through their exhibition trip to Montreal on April 1-2, while Butler will remain with the major league team through Wednesday’s split-squad games. Boesch is expected to be sidelined for several more weeks with a fractured wrist.

The Red Sox also stated that right-handed pitchers Carson Smith and Brandon Workman, left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez and catcher Christian Vazquez would all begin the season on the disabled list.

Vazquez is currently healthy enough to take the field, but has not been deemed ready for Opening Day, as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. Manager John Farrell told reporters on Sunday that the team has yet to determine if Vazquez will stay behind in Fort Myers for extended spring training or be sent to Pawtucket.

David Murphy is expected to play again on Monday, despite exercising his right to opt-out of his minor league deal yesterday. The Red Sox have until tomorrow to decide if they will put him on the 25-man roster, otherwise Murphy is free to sign with another team.

Knuckleball pitcher Steven Wright is closing in on locking up the No. 5 spot in the rotation, in part because he is out of options and the Red Sox risk losing him if he isn’t on the 25-man roster to start the season. Roenis Elias may still make the team as a reliever, but seems more likely to begin the season in Pawtucket as a starter, leaving Matt Barnes and Noe Ramirez as the likely options to round out the bullpen.

Next: Catchers need to catch a break

The team still has some decisions to make over the next few days, but at this point we now have a pretty good idea of who will make the 25-man roster for Opening Day.