FORT MYERS, Fla. -- There aren't many decisions left for the Red Sox as they get closer to forming their 26-man major league roster for Opening Day. But one of the more fascinating calls will be the identity of their utility infielder.
The choice comes down between Bobby Dalbec and Yu Chang, with this important provision: Chang is out of options and the Sox would risk losing him if they went with Dalbec.
Complicating matters somewhat is the fact that Chang, who took part in the WBC for Chinese Taipei, was delayed in joining the Sox here because of visa issues. He took ground balls and some swings at Fenway South, attempting to show the Sox that he was ready.
"I was a little nervous, waiting for the visa (to be taken care of),'' said Chang. "There's not too many games left before breaking camp, and I want to get myself in the best shape, ready to go.''
While at home, Chang worked out with his high school team and his personal trainer, facing live pitching and going through defensive drills.
Chang had a strong tournament, with two homers including a grand slam.
"I'm pretty confident with what I can do in the box,'' said Chang. "Hopefully, I can stay in a good spot and keep performing.''
Chang spent time with four different organizations in 2022 (Boston, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Tampa Bay) and was non-tendered by the Sox last fall before being re-signed in February.
"It's not ideal, playing for so many different teams in one season,'' he said. "Hopefully, the Red Sox will be my home and I can stay here as long as possible.''
Dalbec has had a good camp -- two homers and an .826 OPS -- and has demonstrated the ability to play the middle infield spots. But he also has options remaining and as long as the Red Sox are assured that Chang is ready, they could put in on the major league roster while also maintaining control of Dalbec at Triple A.
"We have to make decisions, but we still have time to do that,'' said Alex Cora. "We've been talking to certain guys about making the team or not or their situations. It's a comfortable time of camp, but when you have good players, this happens. We're very open to a lot of things.''
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Garrett Whitlock, having been slowed somewhat this spring as he recovers from hip surgery last fall, won't be ready to start the season on the major league roster. But he won't be far behind, either.
Whitlock is set to pitch the season opener for the Worcester Red Sox at Polar Park in Worcester Friday. Five days after that, Whitlock will take another turn -- either for Worcester or Portland -- and then, presumably be cleared to be activated.
On Saturday, Whitlock had his final spring tuneup, going 3.1 innings, allowing three earned runs against the Minnesota Twins minor league squad. Whitlock threw 63 pitches, walking one and fanning three.
"Another good step,'' said Whitlock. "Got in (almost) four innings and (now) get ready for the next time. I got to stretch out and throw all of my pitches, making sure everything feels good before we head out. I feel strong. I'm trusting them to know what I need to do (to build up), but my arm feels good, my body feels good and I'm ready to get out there.''
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Kenley Jansen came into camp in the morning and said the lightheaded feeling he experienced on the mound in the ninth inning Friday night was likely a hydration issue. Jansen, who has a history of heart-related issues because of atrial fibrillation, said he was not worried that this was at all cardiac-related. After spending some time in the clubhouse and training room, Jansen was sent home for rest. He said he would like to pitch again Sunday. "Let's see how he feels,'' said Cora. "There's no concern about the other stuff that happened in the past.''... The Sox are in wait-and-see mode with catcher Jorge Alfaro, who has a so-called upward mobility clause in his contract. Essentially, Alfaro, who is on a minor league deal, has the right to ask the Sox to inform other clubs of his availability. Teams then have 24 hours to inform the Sox of their interest in adding him to their 40-man. In turn, the Red Sox would then have 72 hours to either assign Alfaro to the interested club, or add him to their own 40-man roster.... Brayan Bello is slated to pitch Wednesday in a minor league game, piggybacking Whitlock. He'll then be assigned to an affiliate for what's expected to be three rehab starts...James Paxton (hamstring) threw a live BP, and will need a second before going on a rehab assignment. "I believe he's going to contribute sooner rather than later,'' said Cora...Corey Kluber, in his last Florida outing before drawing the Opening Day assignment at Fenway Thursday, allowed three runs on four hits over four innings of work at Tropicana Field against the Tampa Bay Rays.