While key decisions remain, the Boston Red Sox squad we'll see on Opening Day is starting to come into focus.
The Red Sox announced their first significant wave of roster cuts Tuesday ahead of their spring training game against the Detroit Tigers. Here's a breakdown:
Optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket: infielder Michael Chavis; left-handed pitcher Josh Taylor; right-handed pitchers Travis Lakins and Chandler Shepherd
Optioned to Double-A Portland: right-handed pitcher Denyi Reyes
Reassigned to minor league camp: catcher Austin Rei, outfielder Rusney Castillo, infielder Tony Renda, first baseman Josh Ockimey; right-handed pitchers Mike Shawaryn and Carson Smith
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Players optioned to Triple-A still are on the 40-man roster and can return to the majors during the season. That's certainly a possibility for Chavis, a 23-year-old third baseman with pop who already has hit four home runs this spring.
Players like Castillo and Smith, meanwhile, aren't on the 40-man and are less likely to join the major-league club in 2019. The 31-year-old Castillo hasn't played at the major league level since 2016, while Smith has battled injuries and ineffectiveness since coming to Boston in December 2015.
The Red Sox also announced a lineup for Tuesday's game against Detroit that could resemble the one they roll out against right-handed pitchers to start the season.
Price making his #SoxSpring debut! pic.twitter.com/nhd0xs0X8E — Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) March 12, 2019
J.D. Martinez likely would be the designated hitter instead of Jackie Bradley Jr., who would start in center field between Andrew Benintendi and Mookie Betts. But the Red Sox certainly could keep the same batting order, with Mitch Moreland getting the start at first base over Steve Pearce against right-handers.
Pitcher David Price also will make his 2019 spring training debut Tuesday, which he seems very excited about:
😬😬😬😬😬 — David Price (@DAVIDprice24) March 12, 2019
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