The Red Sox submitted their roster for Game 1 of the ALDS vs. the Rays on Thursday, and it came with a bit of a surprise. 2021 All-Star reliever Matt Barnes, who has an 8.31 ERA when facing Tampa Bay this season and finished the year with a 9.31 ERA across his final 11 2/3 innings, was left off the roster while the left-handed starter turned reliever Martin Perez made the cut. J.D. Martinez also made the cut despite his ankle injury, although he likely won’t suit up for Game 1.
Jarren Duran, Connor Wong, and Jonathan Arauz were left off, as they were all on the roster for the Wild Card game — no surprises there. However, Danny Santana did also make the cut. If you’re wondering about Jose Iglesias, who had a strong end to his season after being signed by Boston, he was ineligible for the playoffs due to not spending enough time with the team.
Josh Taylor was placed on the roster as well, as he appears to be back from his minor injury.
Roster in full reside:
Pitchers (13): Ryan Brasier, Austin Davis, Nathan Eovaldi, Tanner Houck, Adam Ottavino, Martín Pérez, Nick Pivetta, Garrett Richards, Hansel Robles, Eduardo Rodriguez, Chris Sale, Josh Taylor, Garrett Whitlock
Catchers (2): Kevin Plawecki, Christian Vázquez
Infielders (5): Christian Arroyo, Xander Bogaerts, Bobby Dalbec, Rafael Devers, Travis Shaw
Outfielders (4): J.D. Martinez, Hunter Renfroe, Kyle Schwarber, Alex Verdugo
Infielder/Outfielders (2): Kiké Hernández, Danny Santana
Other Boston Red Sox news and notes:
- Eduardo Rodriguez starting tonight in Game 1 of the ALDS vs. the Rays
- Chris Sale is likely to start Game 2
- Garrett Whitlock could become the closer this postseason (article link)