Red Sox: Ranking potential impact of 2019 September call-ups
By Sean Penney
Ranking the potential impact down the stretch of the players called up to the Boston Red Sox when rosters expanded to begin September.
The Boston Red Sox clubhouse will be a bit more crowded for the remainder of the season as September brings roster expansion. Rather than limit themselves to the usual 25-man active roster, clubs are allowed to add anyone from their 40-man roster to the big league team for the final month of the regular season.
Boston took advantage of the September call-up policy by adding six players to their roster on September 1. This doesn’t include David Price, who was activated from the 10-day injured list in time to start Sunday’s series finale against the Angels in Anaheim.
Three of the new additions weren’t on the 40-man roster last month. To make room, the Red Sox transferred Chris Sale and Steven Wright to the 60-day inured list. First baseman Joey Curletta was outrighted off the 40-man roster and remains in Double-A Portland.
Expanded rosters allow managers to have a bit more flexibility. Deeper benches limit the risk of utilizing a pinch-hitter or pinch-runner. The bullpen won’t be burned out as easily with more options at their disposal.
While most of these September call-ups won’t see regular action down the stretch, each of them is capable of providing an impact as the Red Sox chase a Wild Card spot.