FORT MYERS, Fla. – It likely wouldn’t last for long, but there remains the possibility the Red Sox could open the season with an 11-man pitching staff.
Traditionally, most American League teams carry a pitching staff of a dozen, and for much of the season, that will almost certainly include the Red Sox.
But two factors in the first few weeks could create an opening to carry one fewer pitcher, and thus, one more position player – likely one who would otherwise be lost on waivers.
First, is the matter of the schedule. After the Sox play six games in six days as part of their two-city road trip to Tampa Bay and Miami, the team will be in the unusual position of having three days off in the next six – with one day off before the home opener, another the day after the opener and yet another three days later.
That could allow the Sox to use only four starters for a bit, while not taxing the members of the bullpen.
Secondly, the Sox have an interleague series with the Marlins just five days into the schedule, and managers usually prioritize an extra position player to help with pinch-hitting and double-switches.
The Sox are staring at some tough roster decisions, given that a number of their “on the bubble’’ position players are out of options.
It’s a given Blake Swihart, who falls into that category, will make the team and be part of the bench, able to help out behind the plate, at first and third, DH and left field.
But carrying an extra position player early would also allow the Sox to retain infielder Deven Marrero for a while longer. Marrero is also out of options, and figures to be claimed if the Sox attempt to outright him to Pawtucket.
In the competition for reserve infielders, Marrero finds himself behind both Brock Holt (likely to make the roster) and Tzu-Wei Lin, who has options remaining and will probably start the season in Pawtucket. He could be given the opportunity to stick for the first two weeks of the season before the Sox would need to go to a 12th pitcher, and who knows what might happen – injuries? – in that span.
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