3 Red Sox players who won't be on the roster by June 1
We're mostly through the month of May, and the Boston Red Sox are still right in the thick of postseason contention. At 26-20, Boston is in fourth place in the ridiculously tough AL East, but is also just half a game outside of a playoff spot. I get that it's only May, but not bad for a team most people predicted to finish in last place in the division.
Boston is led by their elite offense as the Sox rank third in all of baseball in runs scored. They're doing this without Rafael Devers even hitting his stride yet (although that might be changing following a two-home run game in San Diego).
This elite offense is why roster moves Boston will make before the month of June will most likely be with the pitching side. One hitter will have to go by June 1 with Christian Arroyo returning soon, but the pitching is what really needs work.
1) Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello will not be on the roster past June 1
Brayan Bello does not deserve to go down. Since his recall in early May, he's gone at least five innings while allowing two earned runs or fewer in all three of his starts. Honestly, outside of Bello's first start of the season, He's been an effective MLB starting pitcher which is encouraging for the future,
Bello deserves to stay, but with Garrett Whitlock scheduled to return next weekend in Arizona, I don't see how that's really possible. Boston might not have a good rotation, but the depth they have is better than lots of other teams out there. Barring a shocking move, Bello is the arm to go.
The only other pitcher in their starting rotation with options is Tanner Houck., who I don't believe is going anywhere. Unless Boston DFA's someone like Corey Kluber who we've lost patience with, or moves Houck or Whitlock to the bullpen, Bello will be going down.
This Red Sox rotation has injury concerns written all over it, so if Bello was even sent down he wouldn't be in AAA for too long.
2) Red Sox pitcher Justin Garza will not be on the roster past June 1
You know how it is, relievers with options are always on the carousel back and forth between AAA and the majors. The only relievers with options on the roster right now are Josh Winckowski, Kutter Crawford, and Justin Garza. Winckowski has been one of Boston's best relievers so he's not going anywhere. Crawford has been effective in long relief, he's likely not going anywhere. When Boston needs a fresh arm, Garza is likely the odd-man out.
While they've been better in this category lately, Boston starters don't go very deep into games. Red Sox relievers have thrown the 12th most innings in baseball. Eventually, a starter won't go very deep, the bullpen will be exhausted, and they'll need a fresh arm. Garza is the easiest to let go of.
The right-hander was picked up off of waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. In his two appearances this season for Boston he's pitched two scoreless innings without allowing a baserunner. These appearances came on back-to-back days against Seattle in the ninth in games that were practically over.
Boston claimed Garza for a reason, so he won't be in the minors all season. He has options, and the Red Sox, like every other team, will plan to take advantage of that while they can. There isn't too much value in holding a one-inning reliever who only pitches in blowout situations anyway. This loss won't be as big of a deal as Bello or the next guy.
3) Red Sox infielder Pablo Reyes will not be on the roster past June 1
Barring an unexpected turn of events, Christian Arroyo is likely to return during Boston's west coast trip. Arroyo is out of options and is not going to be DFA'd, which means the Red Sox have to make a move with their crop of position players.
Boston really has two options when Arroyo returns. One option is sending down Enmanuel Valdez who has options. The second option would be to DFA Pablo Reyes. While it's the harder choice, Reyes is the one who should go.
Valdez has earned a spot with the Red Sox thanks to his outstanding play. He's slashing .293/.349/.517 with three home runs and ten RBI through his first 20 games in the Major Leagues.
Like Valdez, Reyes has looked good in his stint with Boston. He has eight hits in 23 at-bats including four doubles while striking out just four times. Anytime someone has the same amount of doubles as strikeouts that's usually extremely encouraging, but we must remember, it's been 23 at-bats.
Arroyo's role is mostly as a platoon guy against left-handed pitching. While Reyes has had three starts against both righties and lefties, his main role is taking Valdez's spot against lefties. Arroyo has been in this role for years for the Red Sox while Reyes has bounced around from team to team.
Is it possible Reyes gets claimed off of waivers if he does get DFA'd? Absolutely. Is it a big deal if he is? Absolutely not. Boston has plenty of guys they can promote from the minors if they need more depth like Bobby Dalbec and even Nico Goodrum if more versatility is needed.
I've liked what Reyes has done for the Sox in his short time here. Frankly I didn't know if I'd like another Pablo in a Red Sox uniform after the Pablo Sandoval experience. When looking at this closely, I just don't see another move that there is to make.
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