Red Sox Notebook: Brentz traded, Devers tutored

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Bryce Brentz became the first roster casualty in the wake of the Red Sox’ agreement with free agent J.D. Martinez.

Brentz, who was the heavy favorite to win the fourth outfield spot, was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations, less than 24 hours after the Sox agreed to terms with Martinez.

It's been an eventful month for Brentz, who became a first-time father with the birth of his daughter last week.

Once Martinez passes his physical and officially signs his contract, the Sox will need a spot on the 40-man roster. That roster was full prior to the trade of Brentz.

Brentz enjoyed his best pro season last year, belting 31 homers at Pawtucket. But when rosters expanded in September, Brentz wasn’t promoted, catching many by surprise.

After the season concluded, Brentz was put back on the 40-man roster and came into camp as the prohibitive favorite to make the team as the primary backup outfielder. But Martinez, an outfielder himself, changed that equation.

Brentz was drafted as a supplemental pick following the first round in 2010. He was invited to major league spring training for the first time in 2013, but an off-season gunshot incident, during which Brentz accidentally shot himself in the leg, wiped out that invitation and hurt his career.

He will compete for playing time in left field with a handful of others, including former Red Sox outfielder Daniel Nava. Brentz is out of options.

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Former Red Sox star Mike Lowell arrived in camp for the first day of a scheduled three-day stay and spent time working with third baseman Rafael Devers Tuesday.

Lowell, who was the 2007 World Series MVP, is close with new Red Sox manager Alex Cora and was eager to come into camp and help out.

“It was good,’’ said Cora of the tutoring session. “Mikey, he kept telling me (Monday) night that he doesn’t want to step on any toes. I told him he was fine. (Third base coach and infield instructor) Carlos Febles, who was a good defensive player, had no problem with Mikey being around. (Lowell) has seen some video (of Devers) and we see the same player – good footwork, a few adjustments (necessary), and that’s part of being young.

“(Lowell) went through all the errors and all the good plays. (Devers) has a great arm, great feet. He just got caught up (during his rookie season) a few times when he had more time than usual. He took his time and let it fly, and that’s why he bounced a few throws. But it was a good conversation. They connected. The fact that Raffy knew who Mikey was, at 21, that’s pretty cool.’’

Lowell and Febles were scheduled to talk more Tuesday afternoon, with the work continuing for the next few days.

“(Lowell) was very happy with what he saw,’’ Cora said, “and I was very happy that he was here.’’