After news of Triston Casas' rib injury broke, the Boston Red Sox needed to add another first baseman to the roster.
Boston made a trade with the Chicago Cubs for Garrett Cooper, a veteran first baseman, and the trade was made official on April 29 with a corresponding roster move by the Sox. They've designated Pablo Reyes for assignment, per a release from the team, to make room for the newest addition to the infield.
Reyes has moved across the infield for Boston in the wake of many injuries to its starters. Casas, Trevor Story, Vaughn Grissom and Rafael Devers have all missed time, and Reyes has slotted into the lineup wherever Alex Cora felt he was needed.
With a new fixture at first base and Grissom's return expected soon, Boston has less of a need for Reyes. Cora has opted to keep Bobby Dalbec around, who has been playing first base in Casas' stead most of the time. His bat is lacking and he swings and misses more often than not, but Dalbec's defense has served as an anchor for the Red Sox's decimated infield.
Red Sox designate Pablo Reyes for assignment to make room for Garrett Cooper
The #RedSox today made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/N7FUvJ8j18
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 29, 2024
Dalbec is also a corner infield specialist — the 28-year-old can fill in for Cooper or Devers if either needs a day off or a stint in the DH slot in the batting order.
Reyes' offensive presence has been lacking this season, much like the rest of Boston's bench. He's slashing .183/.234/.217 in 21 games, but he's posted better numbers than Dalbec or Enmanuel Valdez. Reyes is also out of minor-league options, while Dalbec and Valdez still have a few between them, which raises questions about why the Red Sox wouldn't hold onto the infield depth.
Reyes has had his moments in a Red Sox uniform, including a walk-off grand slam against the Royals in 2023, but Cooper will bring more consistency on both sides of the ball.