Red Sox finalize Opening Day roster with series of moves, including big injury update

The Boston Red Sox have made a slew of roster moves to prepare the lineup for the 2024 season, per MassLive's Chris Cotillo.

Boston did a lot of work on its bullpen depth this offseason and it has selected Joely Rodríguez to the Opening Day roster. Rodríguez will serve as the only lefty on the Red Sox's staff for the time being, but Brennan Bernardino is expected to be recalled from Triple-A later in the season.

The Red Sox have also added Naoyuki Uwasawa to the 40-man roster. Uwasawa was traded to Boston on March 27 from the division-rival Rays for cash considerations and he'll be optioned to Fort Myers to complete an extended spring training program.

The transactions page has also revealed the severity of lefty reliever Chris Murphy's elbow injury. He's been added to the 60-day injured list with a UCL sprain. There has been no real timeline for his return provided, but he is expected to need season-ending surgery to repair his ligament damage.

Red Sox make roster moves to prepare for Opening Day, reveal the severity of Chris Murphy's elbow issues

The Red Sox have transitioned new acquisition Liam Hendriks to the 60-day IL as well while he recovers from Tommy John surgery. The closer previously expressed his hopes to return to the team around the trade deadline.

In the shorter term, Bryan Mata is still battling a hamstring injury and has been placed on the 15-day IL, and Vaughn Grissom and Rob Refsnyder have been transitioned to the 10-day IL. Mata is working his way toward his return and he threw a 15-pitch bullpen in the week leading up to the start of the season. Boston has yet to reveal Refsnyder's expected return date, but Grissom is expected to be assigned to a minor league team soon after Opening Day at Fenway Park on April 9.

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