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.