Particle.news

Red Sox Scouting for Left-Handed Bullpen Help as Spring Games Begin

Boston is targeting waiver claims or small trades rather than committing a roster spot and salary to a free-agent lefty.

Overview

  • The 40-man roster currently has three lefty relievers — Aroldis Chapman, Jovani Morán and Tyler Samaniego — with Chapman locked in as closer.
  • Morán is positioned to make the Opening Day roster because he is out of options, while Samaniego is day-to-day after back tightness led to a scratch from his spring debut.
  • Club officials have ruled out shifting top prospects Payton Tolle and Connelly Early into relief, preferring to keep them stretched out in the minors.
  • Veteran southpaws such as Jalen Beeks, Danny Coulombe, Colin Poche and Joey Lucchesi are cited as options, though many are seeking major-league deals and Justin Wilson is reportedly considering retirement.
  • Boston has scouts monitoring rival camps with a full 40-man roster, and outside speculation has floated Cardinals lefty JoJo Romero as a potential trade target.