As we get closer and closer to Opening Day, here is some important and notable news regarding the Red Sox:
Matt Barnes falsely tests positive for COVID-19:
Probably the most notable news, which is Matt Barnes testing positive for COVID-19, but then later learning only a day later it was a false positive.
“There’s no way,” Barnes said after testing positive. “I haven’t gone anywhere.” Barnes then said his only time out of his home was a half hour trip to the grocery store.
8 players were held out of camp due to contact tracing with Barnes, which most notably included Whitlock, McCarthy, and Andriese. They were all cleared Monday to rejoin the team.
“Barnes got cleared by the committee,” Red Sox Manager Cora said. “I don’t know about the details, I’m just happy he’s going to be back with us and we’re going to be at full strength in the next few days.”
The news of Barnes testing positive looked like it meant the closer role was settled, because Barnes wouldn’t be able to play for the start of the season, but now it’s back to undecided between Ottavino and Barnes.
Red Sox sign LHP Tyler Olson to a minor-league-deal:
The Red Sox made what looks like to be the final move of Spring, the Red Sox have reportedly signed lefty reliever Tyler Olson to a minor-league-deal.
In his five year career with the Mariners, Yankees, and Indians, he’s posted a 3.83 ERA. His last major league appearance was in 2019 with Cleveland, where he posted a 4.40 ERA in 30.2 innings.
Olson, 31, did not reach the majors in 2020, as he was with the Cubs at their alternate training site.
He’s been up and down through the majors and minors throughout his career, as Olson’s only pitched 94 innings across the five years.
Another depth move from the Red Sox.
Final Roster set:
Here is your official Opening Day Roster for the 2021 Red Sox:
Starters: Nate Eovaldi, Martin Perez, Nick Pivetta, Garrett Richards, Tanner Houck
Relievers: Matt Andriese, Matt Barnes, Austin Brice, Phillips Valdez, Darwinzon Hernandez, Adam Ottavino, Hirokazu Sawamura, Josh Taylor, Garrett Whitlock
Infielders: Christian Arroyo, Xander Bogaerts, Bobby Dalbec, Rafael Devers
Utility Players: Kike Hernandez, Marwin Gonzalez
Catchers: Christian Vazquez, Kevin Plawecki
Outfielders: Franchy Cordero, JD Martinez, Hunter Renfroe, Alex Verdugo
Injured List: Ryan Brasier, Chris Sale, Eduardo Rodriguez
Takeaways:
Christian Arroyo makes it over Michael Chavis, which Chavis has had a phenomenal spring hitting 6 home runs. Chavis had a down year in 2020 after an impressive rookie year in 2019.
Arroyo had an impressive 2020 after the Red Sox picked him up through the waiver wire from the Indians.
Phillips Valdez makes it over Colton Brewer. Valdez had a very impressive 2020, showing out to be by far the Red Sox best pitcher posting a 3.26 ERA. The 29 year old Valdez was signed during the offseason last year.
Rodriguez is on the IL with dead arm, and Brasier is on the IL with a strained calf.
Some notable names that are going to be in Worcester for the start of this season, that had a chance at the Opening Day Roster are Seabold, Wong, Chavis, Duran (who had an incredibly strong Spring Training), and Downs.
Some other guys who had a chance but missed the cut are Weber, Hart, Hall, Brewer, Feltman, Walden, Arauz, and Muñoz.
Ryan Brasier Strains Left Calf:
Ryan Brasier strained his left calf during a game on Monday while fielding a ground ball. After the MRI was taken at 10AM on Tuesday, it is now said that Brasier will be out indefinitely.
The reliever held a 3.96 ERA for the Red Sox in 2020.
McCarthy, Herrman stay with team:
Both reliever Mike McCarthy and catcher Chris Herrman were signed this offseason to minor-league-deals, but in both players contracts there was a clause that let them leave the Red Sox, if another team offered them a 40-Man Roster Spot.
No team offered either a 40-Man spot. Therefore they’ll stick with the Red Sox in the minors.
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