The Boston Red Sox roster is coming into focus with Andrew Monasterio set to make his Opening Day debut for his new team.
The Red Sox made a slew of personnel moves on Thursday, optioning infielders Nick Sogard and Jung Jung to Triple-A Worcester and reassigning Max Ferguson, Mickey Romero, Tyler McDonald, Aaron Castro and Nathan Hickey to minor league camp.
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With one week to go until the start of the regular season on the road against the Cincinnati Reds , it appears that the 28-year-old Monasterio has firmly grasped the de facto “Romy Gonzalez role” as the latter will be on the 60-day injured list at the start of the year.
With Caleb Durbin announcing earlier this week that he would be the starting third baseman, the Red Sox’ only infield uncertainty is at second base. Marcelo Mayer should start against right-handed pitchers, while Monasterio will start against left-handed pitchers.
Nate Eaton performed well against lefties last season and made the playoff roster, but he has never played second base in his major league career. The Red Sox like his athleticism, but he may only make the roster if they are once again short an outfielder, or if Durbin gets injured. Eaton played at third base last year while Alex Bregman was injured.
Christian Campbell, Brayden Ward, Vinny Capra, Matt Theis, Mickey Gasper and Jason DeLay are other position players who remain in major league camp but seem unlikely to stand out on Opening Day.
More MLB: Red Sox make most revealing statement yet on Marcelo Mayer’s roster status