The Boston Red Sox have optioned infielder Enmanuel Valdez to Triple-A Worcester. The move was first reported by Julian McWilliams after Boston's game against the San Francisco Giants on May 1.
Many fans have been awaiting this decision — and maybe a few others involving lackluster players — in favor of formerly injured players' returns or added depth through trades.
Boston has opted for the latter, and it's exchanged Valdez for one of its newest infield additions, former New York Met, Zack Short. He'll debut for the Red Sox in their getaway game against the Giants on May 2.
Short is regarded as a quality defender and his versatility works to the Red Sox's advantage. With so many injured players, the ability to shuffle Short between second base, third base and shortstop could go a long way. But his bat likely won't do the same.
Source: Zack Short will be added to the active roster tomorrow. Enmanuel Valdez optioned to triple a worcester.
— Julian McWilliams (@byJulianMack) May 2, 2024
Short's offensive numbers are, well, unfortunate. He's a career .172/.266/.304 hitter and he's batting just .111 this year. He's only logged 12 at-bats, so his average is based on a small sample size of opportunities, but even his career slash line in Triple-A is underwhelming at .224/.357/.400.
Valdez is slashing .156/.186/.267 in 90 at-bats this year. The 25-year-old has exhibited better success at the Major League level than short in the past — he batted .266/.311/.453 in 2023.
The Red Sox have optioned Enmanuel Valdez in favor of Zack Short
Valdez's defense has also improved significantly since last season, and even the beginning of the current one. He's made some great plays in the field, including multiple sliding and diving effots to save hits.
There's no telling yet if Short will end up a better player than Valdez on either side of the ball. Valdez has the slight edge at the plate, and now that his defense has flashed improvements, it may have been better to keep him around for the occasional 442-foot homer or double off the Monster.
If his offense improves in the minor leagues, or if another Red Sox falls injured, Valdez may be back in the big-league lineup. For now, it's the age of Short in the field.
At least, until Vaughn Grissom arrives.