As the Red Sox enter the All-Star break, the club will have roster decisions to make as players get healthy.
Infielder Pablo Reyes has completed his rehab stint with Triple-A Worcester and was with the team in Boston on Sunday. Reyes was not activated prior to the game but is expected to rejoin the team for next weekend at Wrigley Field.
Once Reyes is activated the Sox have to decide which middle infielder is the odd man out? Christian Arroyo, Yu Chang and Kiké Hernández are three on the roster spending time between second base and shortstop.
There’s a strong case to be made that Hernández should be the odd man out and designated for assignment.
Hernández has struggled all season both offensively and defensively. Earlier this season, his lack of production at the plate and his throwing errors in the field forced Alex Cora to use Reyes and David Hamilton at shortstop.
Hernández has made 15 errors this season, 14 at shortstop and one at second base. Entering Sunday afternoon’s series finale against the Athletics, he is just hitting .222 with 11 doubles, six homers, 31 RBI, three stolen bases, .606 OPS and 64 wRC+.
His overall 2022 performance makes Hernández the most likeliest DFA candidate during the All-Star break to make room for Reyes.
Cora already told reporters prior to Chang coming off the IL that he was going to be the starting shortstop. That two roster spots for three players.
Reyes has performed well since his trade from the A’s back in May. He’s posted a .303 average and a .702 OPS in 27 games before getting hurt while on the road in Minnesota.
Boston could DFA Reyes upon his return. If they do, that move wouldn’t make much sense, unless Hernández becomes someone who plays three times a week and is used more in the outfield. With the recent play from Jarren Duran in center field, Hernández’s only role with this team is as a backup.
The Sox signed Hernández to a one-year, $10 million extension before last offseason and he was instrumental in the recruiting process to many free agents during the winter. The versatile infielder is well-liked in the clubhouse and by the coaching staff, but his lack of production overall is significantly hurting the Red Sox.
Boston could explore trading Hernández and a potential dance partner could be the Dodgers. Los Angeles is reportedly looking for a right-handed bat and his versatility could play well back with the Dodgers.
Trevor Story will begin rehab assignments after the All-Star break and once he’s ready at the end of July or early August, the Sox will need to make another roster decision. Chaim Bloom could wait to jettison Hernández then, but Boston is showing signs of life in the Wild Card race and need to have their best 26 players moving forward.
Red Sox top prospects showcased in Futures Game
Marcelo Mayer, Nick Yorke and Luis Guerrero were showcased during the Futures Game in Seattle on Saturday night.
Mayer collected a base hit in the first inning out of the No. 2 hole for the American League. He followed that by stealing second base for a stolen base.
The Sox top prospect finished the game 1-for-1 and was lifted for Orioles top prospect and No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft Jackson Holiday.
The 20-year-old Mayer has been with the Portland Sea Dogs for the last few weeks. He has struggled offensively batting 196 with a .668 OPS in 29 games.
Yorke batted out of the ninth spot in the lineup and grounded out in his first at-bat. He finished the game 1-for-3 with a double.
Guerrero closed out the game for the American League, striking out Rockies prospect Yanquiel Fernandez with a 99.7 mph cutter.
The 22-year-old owns a 1.19 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 26 relief outings for Portland. He replaced Shane Drohan on the roster who was removed for precautionary reasons. Drohan has been dealing with a calf issue the last few weeks with the WooSox.
Brian Van Belle makes WooSox debut
The Red Sox promoted right-handed pitcher Brian Van Belle to Triple-A Worcester on Friday.
The 26-year-old was 6-3 in 14 games (13 starts) with a 3.00 ERA, 1.20 WHIP over 81 innings with the Portland Sea Dogs this season.
The right-hander tossed five innings in his debut, giving up three hits, three earned runs and one walk while striking out five.
WooSox skipper Chad Tracy raved about Van Belle and his ability to throw strikes.
“We are getting a big time strike thrower” said Tracy to reporters at Polar Park on Friday. “We are getting a guy who has gone deep into games in Portland. He might have a slight transition period, but he has kept his walks down recently in Portland so we will see. He is not someone who will blow high 90’s by guys. He is a lot like Kyle Barraclough that finds other ways to get swings and misses.”
The WooSox are in need of starting pitchers with Brandon Walter, Chris Murphy in Boston and Bryan Mata still on the IL.
Jorge Alfaro ‘happy to be back’ with the Red Sox
The Red Sox signed catcher Jorge Alfaro on Thursday to a one-year deal. He made his first start with the Red Sox on Sunday afternoon and batted sixth behind Masataka Yoshida.
Alfaro was released by the Rockies following his opt-out with the Red Sox back on June 1.
“It’s been a crazy month,” Alfaro said to reporters on Thursday after he worked out with Jason Varitek. “Opted out with Boston and flying around the country. I got a little frustrated with the situation and all that because that was the first time that happened to me and I had to deal with it. But I’m happy to be back and I want to give 100 percent to the team and help them do what I can.”
Alfaro will serve as the backup to Connor Wong while Reese McGuire recovers from an oblique strain.
The 30-year-old backstop is a strong offensive player but has struggled defensively behind the plate.
“He was available. We like his bat,” said Cora to reporters Thursday. “I think, behind the plate, he made some progress in spring training and we felt good in Worcester. We saw this window now to get him here. Obviously, with Reese, it’s taking longer. It’s progressing but it’s going to take a while. It feels that way.
“To get (Alfaro) here will be good. We can use him as a pinch-hitter late in games against lefties. He can play first. He’s a good athlete. I’m glad that he’s here.”
Alfaro was enjoying a strong season offensively while with the WooSox prior to opting out of his deal. He was batting .320 (56-for-175) with six homers and 30 RBI in 43 games. While in Worcester, Alfaro was used at catcher, first base and designated hitter.