Red Sox Roster Moves: Pitching Staff Set, Monasterio Makes Team

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Boston Red Sox are steadily shaping their roster as Opening Day approaches, making a series of moves Monday that clarified the competition for both pitching and positional spots. While the final decisions aren’t set in stone, the team appears to have solidified a significant portion of its roster, signaling a direction for the upcoming season.

Right-hander Johan Oviedo, viewed as the frontrunner for the No. 5 rotation spot, had a mixed outing in Monday’s 9-6 loss to the Minnesota Twins, allowing six earned runs on six hits over three innings. While manager Alex Cora emphasized the importance of health and readiness for the season, Oviedo’s performance raised questions about consistency. Five of the runs came in a difficult fourth inning, a stark contrast to his previous four starts. Cora noted the team is impressed with Oviedo’s stuff but wants to observe more reliable command.

The Red Sox similarly made several personnel changes, optioning right-handers Zack Kelly and Tyler Uberstine, and left-hander Payton Tolle to minor league camp. These moves, along with the reassignment of Tommy Kahnle, suggest that Danny Coulombe, Connelly Early, and Johan Oviedo are currently favored to fill bullpen roles. Coulombe, recently signed on March 13, pitched a scoreless sixth inning against the Twins and is expected to continue building arm strength in minor league games in Cincinnati.

Reliever Ryan Watson, a Rule 5 pick from the Giants via the Athletics, received the good news that he’d made the major league roster. The 28-year-old was visibly emotional, describing it as a lifelong dream realized. Despite a rocky start to spring training, allowing seven earned runs in his first five innings, Watson’s recent performances improved significantly, convincing the Red Sox to give him a chance as a multi-inning reliever. Cora included former Rule 5 picks Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock in delivering the news.

Offensively, the Red Sox are planning to leverage their depth, particularly with five outfielders – Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Masataka Yoshida – on the roster. Cora indicated the team will be aggressive with pinch-hitting late in games, utilizing the bench to create favorable matchups.

Versatility is a key theme for the Red Sox, with utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa and first baseman Willson Contreras both possessing catching experience, providing emergency options behind the plate. Cora expressed confidence in the team’s overall composition, emphasizing the importance of having versatile players and strong weapons off the bench.

Andruw Monasterio, acquired from Milwaukee in a six-player trade that also brought Caleb Durbin to Boston, has made a strong impression. The 28-year-old right-handed hitter has demonstrated the ability to play all four infield positions and posted a .300 batting average with an .808 OPS in 17 spring training games. Cora praised Monasterio’s athleticism and ability to handle left-handed pitching, and plans to introduce him to the outfield as well.

In other roster news, Anthony Eyanson was named to the All-Spring Breakout second team after striking out three in one inning against the Orioles on Friday.

The Red Sox are continuing to evaluate their remaining players as they finalize their roster decisions. The focus remains on building a team that is both competitive and adaptable, capable of navigating the challenges of a long season. The team’s emphasis on versatility and depth suggests a strategic approach to managing the roster and maximizing its potential.