There have been so many trades and roster moves from the Red Sox that it can boggle your mind and leave you confused. Here is a quick overview of all the changes to the Sox roster in the last few days.
Allen Craig has been added to the 25 man roster. Craig was traded from the Cardinals as part of the John Lackey trade. Craig made his Red Sox debut last night in left field.
Shane Victorino was placed on the 15 Day DL. He has been experiencing on again, off again back pain. Victorino is going to head out to California to get a second opinion since surgery has been mentioned as an option which I am sure Victorino would like to avoid.
Mike Carp has been designated for assignment (DFA) and removed from the 25 man roster. Carp expressed an interest in being traded and as soon as he clears waivers, I am sure another team will pick him up to be a part of their team down the stretch.
Yoenis Cespedes was added to the 25 man roster yesterday. Cespedes was sent from the Athletics for Lester and Gomes. Cespedes was not in the starting lineup last night, but was added to the roster and available on the bench. Cespedes will make his debut this afternoon and be playing in left field. Ben Cherington and John Farrell did say that with Victorino on the DL, Cespedes may play more right field than left field.
Anthony Ranaudo was added to the 25 man roster last night and made his major league debut. Ranaudo started the game and pitched well enough to get his first major league win. However Ranaudo’s stay, at least for the time being, was short lived. Ranaudo was optioned today back down to Pawtucket in order to make room for pitcher Joe Kelly.
Joe Kelly was added to the 25 man roster today. Joe Kelly was sent to the Red Sox as the 2nd piece of the trade of John Lackey. Kelly will make his first start in a Red Sox uniform next week against his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals.
Alex Wilson and Tommy Layne have been been recalled from Pawtucket in order to take the roster spots of Andrew Miller and Felix Doubront in the bullpen.
Mookie Betts was also recalled from Pawtucket and played centerfield in last night’s game. Betts is a natural second basemen, but since Pedroia is cemented at that spot he has been playing in the outfield. Betts showed off his potential by making a great catch in center in last night’s game. Betts call up is expected to be short lived as the roster continues to shift.
Will Middlebrooks was activated off of the 15 Day Disabled List yesterday and he started at 3rd base. With Stephen Drew being traded to the Yankees and Xander Bogaerts returning to his preferred position at shortstop, Middlebrooks will be spending much of the rest of the season at 3rd base.
David Ross was placed on the 15 Day Disabled List today with chronic problems with plantar fascia. It is unknown how long Ross will need to rehab since the issue has been lingering for a while now. Daniel Butler was called up from Pawtucket and will be the back up catcher behind Christian Vazquez.
I think that is it for roster moves in the last 48 hours or so. The Red Sox team looks dramatically different than it did just a few days ago. The roster may still have some changes to come in the next few weeks, especially since there may be moves the Sox are still looking to make during the August waiver wire period, but this is the Red Sox team that is taking the field for the time being.
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