Alex Cora: “Tough” Red Sox roster choices might “very upset” someone.
Cora stated that by the time the Red Sox depart Fort Myers on Sunday, March 24, he anticipates the rotation to be decided. Before traveling to Seattle for a four-game opening series against the Mariners, Boston will play two preseason games against the Rangers at Globe Life Field in Texas on March 25 and 26.
Cora envisions a situation in which a pitcher vying for the final two spots in the starting rotation is optioned to Triple-A Worcester, where he would open the season as a starter rather than being added to Boston’s 26-man roster as a reliever. In this manner, he will continue to be used as a starter. There will be difficult choices to make, Cora stated. We don’t break camp with anyone, so maybe someone will be really angry with us. Once you have players who can start winning games at the major league level and you start to acquire superior players, other considerations become more important. 40 men make up the roster. Not every camper who travels to Seattle with us will participate in it for the entire season. All we need to do is use our pieces extremely wisely.
Nick Pivetta and Brayan Bello are surefire starters to open the season. Nearing a lock is Kutter Crawford. Tanner Houck, Josh Winckowski, Cooper Criswell, and Garrett Whitlock are now vying for the final two seats.
After spending the whole previous season pitching out of the Red Sox bullpen, Winckowski is vying for a position in the rotation. In addition to one opening appearance, he made 59 relief appearances. His innings pitched were 84 â…“. If he is not included in the rotation, it makes sense that he would start the season in Boston’s bullpen. However, he might possibly start the season in Worcester’s rotation to keep him rested.
