Red Sox reserve strength that will be in Pawtucket – maybe
By Rick McNair
Waivers offer opportunity and the Red Sox saw something with 27-year-old Steve Selsky so they pounced and claimed him from the Reds. Maybe it was the right-hand power potential? Selsky did hit .314 in 2016 with the Reds. Maybe just a stockpile for 2018 when Chris Young is off the books?
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Selsky has two options remaining so the Red Sox do have some control. He’s on the 40-man roster and that can be a precarious placement in case a slot is needed. Selsky also has 4A credentials with a career .283 average at Triple-A.
Selsky making it to the majors is somewhat of a surprise as he was a pick in the 33rd round of the draft in 2011. As of this moment in time, Selsky will invariably be part of the Pawtucket outfield. Selsky is capable of respectable, but not exotic glove work in the outfield – playing all three outfield positions – and the metrics show nothing special or worrisome.
This is an insurance policy, but it is a policy that may not be used since a few other options could exist at Pawtucket. The positive is that Selsky hit enough at his brief trial with the Reds to get interested from the Red Sox. As a right-hand bat with off the bench potential Selsky may earn a visit or two to Fenway Park if he hits in the International League.