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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 1:34:42 GMT -5
Notes: Franchy looks ready; Vázquez healing March 28th, 2021 Ian Browne
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne
Franchy Cordero’s readiness for Opening Day was never more apparent than in the first inning on Sunday afternoon, when he hit a heat-seeking missile over the bullpen in right-center field against Twins starter José Berríos during the Red Sox's 8-3 victory at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Fla.
For weeks, there was a big question of whether the lefty slugger would be ready for the start of the season. He missed roughly the first half of Spring Training after testing positive for COVID-19 and needing time to pass all the subsequent protocols.
Manager Alex Cora’s standard line on the possibility of the left fielder being ready for Opening Day has been, "There’s a chance." So it was eye-opening Sunday morning when Cora upgraded that to, "There’s a good chance.”
When that solo shot -- which came one pitch after Enrique Hernández smashed one over the replica Green Monster at JetBlue Park -- landed, Cordero’s slot for Thursday’s opener at Fenway Park against the Orioles seemed just about cemented.
The final test comes Monday, when Cordero is scheduled to play on back-to-back days for the first time this spring.
“He feels great,” Cora said. “There’s a good chance he’ll be with us Opening Day. Let’s see how he reacts out of this one, but everybody is very positive with the way he’s been able to bounce back. The game in Tampa [on Friday], he hit a triple. He’s moving around in the outfield. He’s in a good position.”
Another player with a good chance? Vázquez The Red Sox also seem to have a general expectation that catcher Christian Vázquez will be ready for Opening Day. On Thursday, Vázquez, wearing sunglasses, was struck just under the left eye by a thrown ball during a team drill. He suffered a contusion and a laceration.
“Christian, he was just playing catch actually with Eduardo [Rodriguez],” Cora said. “He’s going to be able to actually track pitches today. There’s a good chance he’ll be with us on Opening Day. There’s a really good chance. But we have to be careful how we push him, what he can do, what he cannot do.
“There's a good chance he might go tomorrow to Minnesota to the 'B' game to get at-bats. You know, I was still debating if he’s OK [to do that], but I just talked to [trainer] Brad [Pearson] and that might be [good]. You know, we’re playing six innings, so there might be six at-bats there in the back fields, no pressure, track pitches, see pitches. So hopefully, you know, he gets the green light and he can do that.”
More good news: E-Rod update All signs continued to be encouraging for Rodriguez, who will throw his second bullpen session in three days on Monday. This comes on the heels of Friday’s announcement that the lefty would miss Opening Day due to experiencing a "dead arm" in his most recent Grapefruit League start on March 22 against the Rays, when he labored for two innings.
Rodriguez is expected to throw at higher intensity on Monday than he did in his 36-pitch session on Saturday. It appears his time away from the starting rotation will be minimal.
“We just want to make sure he's over this hump,” Cora said. “That's the most important thing. And he can say everything is great but, you know, we have to make sure. Like we said in the beginning, they're going to let us know. Their bodies are going to let us know. Obviously there's more stuff that goes on in the training room that's going to tell us where they’re at, but in this particular case with everything that happened last year, the communication is very important.”
Why was Dalbec scratched? Rookie first baseman Bobby Dalbec was in the original starting lineup on Sunday. But when the game started, Michael Chavis was at first base.
It turns out Dalbec is dealing with right index finger soreness, and he was held out as a precaution.
“There was a ground ball yesterday that came up, and he got hit with it. Actually, thank God it hit his hand,” Cora said. “If not, it was going to hit square in his face, so we’re just being cautious. We’ve got three more days here. If it’s a regular-season game, he’s ready to play. He didn’t play today. He won’t play tomorrow. He’ll play Tuesday and be ready for Opening Day.”
Brasier trending up With Matt Barnes out of the mix for at least a bit due to a positive COVID-19 test and at least three other pitchers among eight players in contact tracing protocol, it would be great timing for setup reliever Ryan Brasier to turn a corner in his return from a fractured right pinkie finger. Brasier was stalled coming to camp due to family reasons, which delayed his rehab from the injury.
“We feel like it’s going to be sooner rather than later. I hate giving you timelines, I try to stay away from that. It’s not fair to the player. But it’s trending up,” Cora said. “He has a ‘B’ game, he’s going to be part of the ‘B’ game on Monday against the Twins. He’s throwing one inning. We’re running out of time, of course, with Opening Day on Thursday, but it seems like he’ll be OK sooner rather than later.”
Up next Righty Tanner Houck, Boston’s No. 7 prospect, will start on Monday against the Braves in North Port. Houck has been up and down in his Grapefruit League outings. Adam Ottavino, who will likely close at the beginning of the season, is scheduled to pitch for the second straight day. Lefty Darwinzon Hernandez, another key bullpen piece, is also expected to see action. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 1:52:53 GMT -5
What happens after a Red Sox tests positive for COVID-19? A primer. By Alex Speier Globe Staff,Updated March 28, 2021, 6:02 p.m.
As soon as Matt Barnes’ positive test result for COVID-19 came back early Saturday morning, a number of protocols were set in motion in an effort to control the spread of the extremely contagious coronavirus. Here is a look at what that means:
▪ Positive test: As of now, Barnes is the only known member of the organization to test positive for COVID-19. Any individual who tests positive — including Barnes, who is asymptomatic — must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days from the date of the test that returned a positive result. Barnes took the test on March 25, so he cannot return before April 5. His clearance to return requires that he remains asymptomatic, undergoes a cardiac evaluation, and is cleared both by Red Sox medical director Larry Ronan and a Joint COVID-19 Health and Safety Committee, which consists of one MLB and one MLB Players Association representative and two physicians.
▪ Contact tracing: Once the positive test result became known, the Red Sox were required to start a contact tracing investigation. The investigation relies on data provided from Kinexon bracelets that members of the organization put on upon arrival at JetBlue Park and wear throughout their work days. The bracelets track movements — and, critically, where and how much time individuals spend within six feet of each other. The team also discussed with Barnes any interactions he had while away from the park.
▪ The investigation: All MLB teams are required to have a designated contact tracing officer who oversees the effort to identify close contacts and serves as the point person for communication regarding contract tracing with the Commissioner’s Office, the Joint COVID-19 Health and Safety Committee, other teams, and Kinexon. Doing that for the Red Sox is Taylor Boucher, a minor league trainer in the organization prior to this year, but other members of the organization — notably including head athletic trainer Brad Pearson — are also involved.
▪ Close contacts: Through Sunday morning, according to a Major League source, eight members of the Red Sox organization had entered “close contact” protocols, which require an individual to isolate from the team for at least seven days. The CDC defines a “close contact” as someone who spends at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period within six feet of an individual who tests positive. However, departures from that working definition are possible depending on the type and location of an interaction, such as whether it took place indoors or outdoors or whether the potential close contact previously had COVID-19 with a likelihood of immunity.
The beginning of the relevant period of “close contact” starts two days prior to the test that yielded a positive result, meaning that anyone who was in “close contact” with Barnes starting on Tuesday would have to isolate for at least seven days from their last close contact with the pitcher. For example: A player who came in close contact with Barnes on Tuesday, March 23, (but not after) would have to isolate from the team through at least Tuesday, March 30. Provided that player remained asymptomatic and had a negative PCR test on the fifth day (or later) of isolation, he could rejoin the team on Wednesday, March 31 — one day before Opening Day. If someone came into close contact with Barnes on Friday, his last day around teammates, he or she could not rejoin the team until Saturday, April 3.
An individual must receive a written note from the Joint Committee before returning.
▪ Extra scrutiny contacts: Individuals who were around Barnes to a meaningful degree sometime between last Tuesday and Friday, but fell short of the “close contact” definition, are known as “extra scrutiny contacts.” So long as they remain asymptomatic, those individuals can continue to participate in team activities, but are subject to increased daily testing and heightened protocols such as required surgical masks at all times, both at and away from the park.
Those who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 within the last three months would not be subject to extra scrutiny contact restrictions unless they developed symptoms of the virus.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 1:55:00 GMT -5
red sox notebook Franchy Cordero, who had a homer against Minnesota, has good chance of making roster for Opening Day By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated March 28, 2021, 5:31 p.m.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — With two days remaining of spring training, some health issues not involving coronavirus concerns are trending in the right direction for the Red Sox.
Left fielder Franchy Cordero played seven innings in Sunday’s 8-3 victory against Minnesota and homered to right field in the first inning.
He is scheduled to play again Monday for another seven innings, a final hurdle to making the roster.
Cordero was three weeks late to camp after testing positive for COVID-19 in the Dominican Republic but caught up quickly.
“He feels great. There’s a good chance he’ll be with us [for] Opening Day. Let’s see how he reacts,” manager Alex Cora said. “Everyone is very positive with the way he’s been able to bounce back.”
Lefthander Eduardo Rodriguez is making progress after leaving his last Grapefruit League start with a “dead arm.” He threw in the bullpen on Saturday and is scheduled to throw again on Monday, this time with more intensity.
“We’ll see where we’re at with him. He’s feeling better,” Cora said. “Obviously we’re running out of time with a lot of things.”
Rodriguez feels he is sufficiently stretched out and can be ready this week.
Christian Vazquez, who was cut under the left eye by a thrown ball on Thursday, is scheduled to play in a B game on Monday and get as many as six at-bats.
“There’s a good chance he’ll be with us on Opening Day,” Cora said. “There’s a really good chance. But we have to be careful how we push him. Righthanded reliever Ryan Brasier is scheduled to pitch in the B game. He won’t be ready for Opening Day but is progressing after missing time with a broken bone in his right hand and a personal matter.
“We feel like it’s going to be sooner rather than later,” Cora said.
Dalbec scratched
Bobby Dalbec was taken out of the lineup because of a sore right index finger after being hit by a bad-hop grounder on Saturday. He’s scheduled to play Tuesday and should be ready for Opening Day … Adam Ottavino in six Grapefruit League games: 6.1 innings, six hits, two runs, zero earned runs, one walk, seven strikeouts. With Matt Barnes out until at least April 5 after a positive COVID-19 test, Ottavino is lined up to be the closer … There was a moment of silence before the game in memory of Twins bench coach Mike Bell, who died Friday at the age of 46 from kidney cancer. Bell was one of the candidates the Red Sox considered in October before deciding to bring Cora back.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 1:56:21 GMT -5
Sunday’s Red Sox spring training report: Back-to-back blasts open victory By Peter Abraham Globe Staff,Updated March 28, 2021, 5:23 p.m.
Score: Red Sox 8, Twins 3
Record: 15-10-1
Breakdown: Seven pitchers held the Twins to five hits and two earned runs. Minor leaguer Josh Winckowski, starting in place of Garrett Richards, went three innings. Kiké Hernández and Franchy Cordero had back-to-back home runs to open the bottom of the first. Cesár Puello had a two-run shot in the eighth. Rafael Devers and J.D. Martinez were each 2 for 4.
Next: The Sox play the Braves in North Port at 1:05 p.m. Monday. Tanner Houck is the scheduled starter.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 1:58:38 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 7h Daniel Bard in 8 Cactus League games:
7.1 IP 2 H 0 R 3 BB 11 K
Great story getting even better. Good for him.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 2:00:08 GMT -5
Alex Speier @alexspeier · 10h Alex Cora says that Garrett Richards isn't scheduled to pitch again before the start of the season.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 2:02:37 GMT -5
Six-year playoff streak on the line, Kiké Hernandez ready to lead the Red Sox back to October ‘I came here this year and expect to play in October again’
By Jason Mastrodonato | jason.mastrodonato@bostonherald.com | Boston Herald PUBLISHED: March 28, 2021 at 6:34 p.m. | UPDATED: March 28, 2021 at 11:53 p.m.
When the Red Sox set out to improve their roster without dropping the kind of money that would’ve put them back in luxury tax jail, one player seemed like the perfect fit: Kiké Hernandez.
He filled the two positions the Sox needed most, second base and center field, and he had something in abundance that the Sox didn’t have a lot of: playoff experience.
Of the 129 active MLB players with at least 20 playoff games on their resume, the Red Sox had just one: Xander Bogaerts.
A year ago, they had four: Bogaerts, Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr. But Betts and Benintendi were traded, Bradley left for free agency and Bogaerts is now alone.
Enter Hernandez, who has played in so many playoff games (58) he says he can no longer remember them.
“I don’t know if this happens to everybody, but I talked to a few people and this happened the same way: Once you play so many playoff games, they all blend in,” he told the Herald this week. “It’s a little bit of a blur… I don’t remember much.”
Hernandez has appeared in more World Series games (17) than the majority of the Red Sox roster has playoff appearances.
He entered the majors with the Astros in 2014, got traded to the Marlins that July, was traded from the Marlins to the Dodgers that December, made his Dodgers debut the following April and has since gone to the postseason every single year.
“You always need guys like that, guys you can count on and rely on to have younger guys to go and talk to,” he said. “I don’t consider myself an old guy, but I’ve played a lot of postseason baseball so I feel like I have some things I can bring to the table.”
There are only nine active players in baseball with more postseason appearances than Hernandez: Yadier Molina, Albert Pujols, Jon Jay, Brett Gardner, Justin Turner, Joc Pederson, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer.
But until 2020, Hernandez’s postseason efforts had always ended in failure, most notably in ’17, when the Dodgers and Astros exchanged blows in an epic seven-game series that went in Houston’s favor.
Three years later, it was revealed that the Astros had been cheating, and it was their bench coach, Alex Cora, who was determined to be the mastermind.
The Los Angeles City Council called on MLB to give the Dodgers the World Series trophy last January, creating headlines just as the Dodgers were participating in their annual FanFest.
At the time, Hernandez didn’t hide his feelings.
“They cheated and they got away with it and they got a ring out of it,” he said at FanFest last year. “If nothing happened to them as players, good for them…
“I think the fact that we got cheated in the World Series, whether you apologize or not, it is what it is. The other way of cheating, when you do steroids, you apologize. But for whatever reason, since they were able to get away with it, they didn’t have to apologize. Maybe they’re going to apologize in the future, I don’t know.”
Asked this week about it, he said, “I don’t really care if I get an apology or not, to be honest.”
Hernandez said he’s over it, evidence by him signing a two-year, $14-million deal with a team now managed by Cora. Another member of the ’17 Astros, Marwin Gonzalez, is now Hernandez’s teammate.
“I’ve moved past it,” Hernandez said. “I won a World Series. I got my ring. I’m not losing any sleep over it. Me and Alex talked in the offseason. I know how he feels about it, I know he was honest about his apology and everything. I didn’t talk to Marwin about it. I didn’t feel like it was necessary to have that conversation. We’re on the same side now.”
Given Hernandez’s Dodgers also lost to the Red Sox in ’18, he now finds himself in a locker room surrounded by guys he’s previously competed against in the World Series.
“It’s not weird,” he said. “It was a weird feeling because I got here being one of the new guys, but I knew so many people already that I didn’t necessarily feel like a new guy.”
Memories of ‘18 are less enjoyable for Hernandez than most of his new Red Sox teammates, who “give me a hard time about the fact that they beat us.”
“We understood that the strength of that (Red Sox) team was the rotation,” he said. “Every game we went in with a plan of getting to the bullpen early to try to expose them a little bit. It didn’t really work out that way. They kept mixing in relievers and starters coming out of the bullpen and it just threw us off our game plan. We were never really able to get in a groove. That’s why the Series went the way it went.”
He knows it’s not his responsibility alone to take the last-place Red Sox back into contention. He thinks they have a good chance and “hopefully we’ll be in the race once Chris Sale comes back.”
Asked if he gets nervous for playoff games anymore, Hernandez quickly said no.
“But I do get excited,” he said. “I’ve done it the last six years. I came here this year and expect to play in October again. You get addicted to that feeling of winning.
“It’s not a bad thing to be addicted to winning.”
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 2:06:47 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox’s Eduardo Rodriguez to throw bullpen again Monday; ‘We continue to feel really good about this just being a short-term hiccup’ Updated Mar 28, 2021; Posted Mar 28, 2021
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez will throw another bullpen Monday after he threw a bullpen session Saturday.
The lefty initially was scheduled to start Opening Day on Thursday. But he has been scratched because of dead arm.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom believe the dead arm is only a short-term issue. He said he does not have an exact timetable on when Rodriguez will be ready to pitch in games.
“It’s more of a day-by-day thing,” Bloom said Sunday. “He had a great day yesterday, which is good. That’s awesome. We continue to feel really good about this just being a short-term hiccup, making sure we take care of him. But in terms of specifics on when we’ll get him back out there, we don’t have those yet.”
Rodriguez played catch with Christian Vázquez on Saturday.
“Eduardo feels good,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “He feels good about his bullpen. He’s going to get back on the mound tomorrow and we’ll see where we’re at with him. But he’s feeling better. Obviously we’re running out of time with a lot of things and then the adjustments that we have to make as far as like the virus. So we’ll address that when we have to.”
The lefty did not look right during his start last Monday. He allowed two runs (one earned), three hits and two walks while striking out one in his 2 innings. He then simulated two more innings in the bullpen. He was scheduled to throw a bullpen this past Wednesday but it got delayed until Saturday.
Nathan Eovaldi instead will start on Opening Day, which is Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 2:08:14 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox notebook: Kiké Hernández, Franchy Cordero crush homers; Bobby Dalbec (finger) scratched from lineup but expected to play Tuesday Updated Mar 28, 2021; Posted Mar 28, 2021
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
Kiké Hernández and Franchy Cordero bashed back-to-back home runs to lead off the bottom of the first inning Sunday.
The Red Sox won 8-3 against the Twins in Grapefruit League action.
Hernández will start the season as Boston’s leadoff hitter. He has gone 15-for-45 (.333) with two home runs, four doubles, six RBIs, 11 runs, nine walks and eight strikeouts in 19 games this spring.
“We challenge him to get on base and he’s done that the whole spring,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “He’s done a good job staying on pitches, working the count, getting his walks, going the other way. What else can we ask him? Just be ready for the season and keep doing your job. I think that’s the most important thing. He’s a good player all-around. ... But as he knows, it’s spring training. Everything starts on Thursday and we believe he can do the job. And we believe that he can get on base and that’s what we’re asking for.”
Cordero did not begin working out with the team until March 11 after he began spring training on the COVID-related injured list. But Cora said before the game there is a “good chance” he will be available Opening Day.
“Franchy got a good pitch to hit, a changeup over the heart of the plate and put a good swing on it,” Cora said. “We know he can do that.”
Dalbec scratched
Bobby Dalbec initially was scheduled to play first base. But he was scratched from the lineup Sunday as a precaution due to right index finger soreness. Michael Chavis replaced him and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
“There was a groundball yesterday (Saturday) that came up and he got hit with it,” Cora said. “Actually, thank God it hit his hand. If not, it was going to hit square on his face. So we’re just being precautious. We’ve got three more days here. If it’s a regular season game, he’s ready to play.”
He will play Tuesday and be ready for Opening Day, Cora added.
COVID update
Contact tracing concluded eight members of the Boston Red Sox organization were in contact with Matt Barnes who tested positive COVID-19. Four of those individuals were considered in close contact to Barnes and must self-quarantine for seven days beginning with the last time they came in contact with him. The other four are considered “extra scrutiny contacts” and are allowed to continue to practice/coach as long as they are following several protocols.
Cora wa asked postgame about any updates.
“Everything is the same as this morning,” Cora said. “We’re going through the protocols, the guidelines, everything. And so far, it’s been OK. It’s been better than yesterday. So that’s all I can give you.”
Red Sox relievers allow just 2 hits
Red Sox relievers Adam Ottavino, Josh Taylor, Austin Brice, Marcus Walden, Phillips Valdez and Stephen Gonsalves combined to allow two runs (one earned), three hits and two walks while striking out seven in 6 innings.
“Some guys have to step up. That’s the bottom line,” Cora said pregame when discussing his bullpen without Barnes and Ryan Brasier to start the season. “One guy is down, two guys are down, then somebody has to do the job. We have capable guys.”
Ottavino, who likely will begin the season as the closer with Barnes sidelined, allowed one unearned run and one hit while striking out one in 1 inning.
Prospect Josh Winckowski pitches well
Josh Winckowski — the right-handed pitching prospect who the Boston Red Sox acquired in the Andrew Benintendi trade — started and went 3 innings. He allowed just one run, two hits and one walk while striking out one.
Two-hit days
Hernández, J.D. Martinez, Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers each stroked two hits. Boston had 14 hits in all.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 10:39:21 GMT -5
houck vs anderson
1. Enrique Hernandez (R) 2B 2. Alex Verdugo (L) RF 3. J.D. Martinez (R) DH 4. Xander Bogaerts (R) SS 5. Marwin Gonzalez (S) 3B 6. Franchy Cordero (L) LF 7. Michael Chavis (R) 1B 8. Kevin Plawecki (R) C 9. Jarren Duran (L) CF
1. Ronald Acuna Jr. (R) RF 2. Ozzie Albies (S) 2B 3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B 4. Marcell Ozuna (R) LF 5. Travis d'Arnaud (R) C 6. Dansby Swanson (R) SS 7. Austin Riley (R) 3B 8. Ender Inciarte (L) CF 9. Ian Anderson (R) P
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 37m Other players on the roster today for the #RedSox:
P: Brice, Hernandez, Ort, Blair, Espinal. C: Herrmann, Wong, Cottam INF: Downs, Dalbec, Ockimey, Yorke, De La Guerra OF: Puello, Gettys, Jiménez
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 10:41:13 GMT -5
Pete Abraham @peteabe · 2h No further positive tests for the Red Sox. Also:
* No rotation beyond Eovaldi.
* "Pretty good" chance Vazquez plays on Opening Day.
* Sox will be cautious with Rodriguez. Sounds like he won't pitch first turn through.
A few other Sox updates:
* Roster could be 13/13 for a few days with some of the pitchers out. * Cordero is good to go for Opening Day. * Barnes doesn't have any symptoms. * Final two ST games will be 7 innings. * If they need an extra catcher, it would be somebody off the 40
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 10:44:08 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 2h Cora said Franchy Cordero will play a full game today and serve as a late-game replacement on Tuesday.
'The chances of him breaking with the team are very solid.' #RedSox
Cora on Houck and a potential rotation spot -- 'He's in the conversation.' #RedSox
Cora said the #RedSox are not ready announce a rotation beyond Nathan Eovaldi on Opening Day. Tanner Houck today, Martin Perez tomorrow to finish the spring.
Cora on Matt Barnes -- 'He feels great. He's surprised to say the least.'
'He has to stay here for whatever time he needs to stay here. I don't think he'll drive (to Boston). Tom (Werner) and John (Henry), they'll take care of that part.' #RedSox
#RedSox manager Alex Cora on COVID-19 -- 'Everything is the same. Obviously just being patient with everything. No more positives, so that's good news for the team.'
Boston has one positive, eight in contact tracing.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 10:45:23 GMT -5
Bill Koch @billkoch25 · 2h Cora on his Opening Day roster -- 'There's a chance we can go 13 (pitchers) and 13 (position players), but it's because of the situation the last three days.'
Initial plan was 14 and 12 prior to the last three days. #RedSox
Cora -- 'Baseball-wise, we're in a great place. We're ready to go.' #RedSox
Cora said the #RedSox will not schedule bullpen days in their opening series against the Orioles regardless of who may or may not be available on the pitching staff.
'We should be covered.'
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 10:46:42 GMT -5
Ian Browne @ianmbrowne · 2h Cora says the Red Sox aren't going to rush Eduardo Rodriguez. Reading between the lines, he definitely won't pitch this weekend.
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Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 29, 2021 10:48:29 GMT -5
Boston Red Sox Opening Day roster: Either prospect Connor Wong or Ronaldo Hernández to make team if Christian Vázquez is not ready Updated 10:07 AM; Today 9:57 AM
By Christopher Smith | csmith@masslive.com
Christian Vázquez will not play in the Red Sox’s B-game Monday. He instead will catch Eduardo Rodriguez’s bullpen and hit off the Tee.
Vázquez got struck in the face by an errant throw during a practice Thursday. The team called the injury an “eye contusion and laceration under his left eye.” He has stitches and they are scheduled to be removed Opening Day.
If Vázquez isn’t available for the regular season opener Thursday, either Connor Wong or Ronaldo Hernández would begin the season on the 26-man roster as Kevin Plawecki’s backup. Wong and Hernández both are on the 40-man roster.
The Red Sox would not add one of their minor league catchers (Chris Herrmann and Jett Bandy) who is not on the 40-man roster.
“Whatever decision we make is based on the timeframe,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “If he can’t go, it’s something that it’s just a few days. So roster-wise, you have to be smart about it. We’ve had discussions already about this. We’ve got our 40-man roster right now and if it’s something short-term, then we’re not going to take people out of the (40-man) roster for three or four days. Obviously we’ve got some capable guys on our 40-man roster that can help us out. So probably that’s where we’ll go if we have to miss him just for a few days.”
Wong, a 24-year-old who Boston acquired in the Mookie Betts trade, has impressed both offensively and defensively. Cora has raved about the way Wong slows down the game behind the plate. Wong has homered, doubled and walked five times in 14 plate appearances (.500 OBP).
The Red Sox acquired Hernandez, a 23-year-old, from the Rays in February for Jeffrey Springs and Chris Mazza. He has power potential and a strong arm. But he still needs to work on his receiving.
How will the Red Sox determine if Vázquez is ready for Thursday?
“Comfort with the mask, the stitches. The plan is to take them off actually on Opening Day,” Cora said. “We feel comfortable but at the same time, he actually has to do some tests on Wednesday with the eye doctor. So it’s one of those where we’re not 100% sure he’ll be there but there’s a pretty good chance he’ll play on Thursday.”
The Red Sox might go with 13 pitchers and 13 position players to start the season instead of 14 pitchers and 12 position players as initially planned because of Matt Barnes (positive COVID) and others quarantining.
If Vázquez isn’t ready, Boston could begin with three catchers on the Opening Day roster because it’s unlikely Vázquez will be placed on the IL.
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