The Boston Red Sox have added two first basemen and a versatile utility infielder since April 27. Vaughn Grissom is also expected to make his Red Sox debut soon.
The shuffling of Boston's roster has resulted in some demotions for previous players. Pablo Reyes and Enmanuel Valdez were designated for assignment or optioned to Triple-A, and now Bobby Dalbec will join them in Worcester, according to WEEI's Rob Bradford.
In the wake of Triston Casas' long-term injury, the Red Sox signed two first basemen to make up for his absence. Garrett Cooper and Dominic Smith have taken Dalbec's usual job, and now that Rafael Devers is healthy and back at third base, Boston doesn't have much use for him anymore.
Dalbec has been close to an automatic out every time he stepped into the batter's box. In 53 plate appearances, he's logged just seven hits. Dalbec has fanned 28 times and walked four.
The Red Sox have optioned Bobby Dalbec to Worcester to make room for new and returning players
Red Sox will be optioning Bobby Dalbec to Worcester
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) May 2, 2024
His defense has helped anchor the Sox's infield of backups, though. Dalbec has played well at first and third, but his defense doesn't make up for his lack of production offensively.
The Red Sox organization debated trading Dalbec during the 2023 season, and they should have — in reality, they should've traded him after 2022, when his value was still salvageable. Dalbec's 2024 showing did little for his trade potential.
Manager Alex Cora stated before the season that he had confidence in Dalbec's chances to make the team this season. He made the Opening Day roster and stuck it out until May, but Dalbec didn't show any significant improvements from last season.
The Red Sox have bad luck when it comes to injuries, so Dalbec may well need to come back up later in the season. But for now, Dalbec will be in the minors, where he's spent the majority of the last six seasons.