The Boston Red Sox announced their first batch of roster cuts. Four pitchers were optioned to Triple-A, while seven players head to minor league camp.
Spring training just got a bit less crowded for the Boston Red Sox. The team announced a series of moves on Sunday that concludes the opportunity in big league camp for 11 players.
Left-handed pitcher Jalen Beeks was among the pitchers optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket. The move comes one day after Beeks was torched for seven runs before he was removed without recording an out in the first inning. The game would end up being cancelled due to rain in the third inning, washing away this horrendous performance.
Fellow lefty Williams Jerez plus right-handers Ty Buttrey and Chandler Shepherd will join Beeks on the trip to Pawtucket.
The Red Sox also reassigned seven players to minor league camp: catcher Austin Rei; infielders Michael Chavis and Esteban Quiroz; outfielders Jeremy Barfield and Steve Selsky; and right-handed pitchers Kyle Martin and Fernando Rodriguez Jr.
Prior to today’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, the #RedSox made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/6zXp8Ivq0K
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 11, 2018
The most notable roster cut from the group is Chavis. Fans anticipated a strong spring from the top prospect in the organization hoping it would be a precursor for Chavis skyrocketing through the minor league system. That hasn’t panned out, as Chavis has missed most of camp with an oblique injury.
The injury creates a lost opportunity for Chavis to show what he can do against major league competition. However, Red Sox manager Alex Cora doesn’t see Chavis’ time in camp as a complete loss.
"“He wasn’t able to perform. But he learned a lot over the course of whatever we’ve been here as far as work ethic, showing up on time, do your work, and actually he’ll be fine,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters, per WEEI’s John Tomase. “Sometimes, spring training, yeah, the experience you get on the big field helps. But I think the experience he had in that clubhouse, just being around the guys and seeing how they work, is going to benefit him.”"
Cora confirmed that Chavis is progressing well with his rehab and has started swinging off a tee. The manager seemed impressed with the work ethic of Chavis. He may not get the chance to shine on the field but the hard work he put in this spring has been noticed.
Next: Five questions about Opening Day roster
The Red Sox will continue to trim the roster over the coming weeks as they progress toward finalizing the 25-man roster they will open the season with. This means more playing time will be available for those we expect to make the roster. Players need to ramp up activity and get used to the routine of playing every day as Opening Day draws closer.