The Red Sox made another batch of roster cuts following Wednesday’s game, announcing that infielder Vaughn Grissom and right-handers Josh Winckowski and Luis Guerrero have been optioned to Triple-A, and that catchers Nathan Hickey and Mark Kolozsvary have been reassigned to minor league camp.
Grissom was originally expected to contend for the Red Sox starting second base job, but was outperformed in camp by David Hamilton and by top prospects Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer. The 24-year-old infielder batted .176 in 13 Grapefruit League games, and with Wednesday’s move is likely to now open the season as the starting second baseman in Worcester.
Originally acquired last offseason in exchange for left-hander Chris Sale, Grissom’s tenure in Boston has been marked by one setback after another. The young infielder was initially pegged as last season’s second baseman before injuries limited him to 31 largely unproductive games, and now it’s unclear how he’ll fit into the picture for the Red Sox going forward.
Wednesday’s moves also provided clarity for the Red Sox bullpen. Winckowski and Guerrero each have MLB experience and were expected to contend for one of the last two or three spots, but both struggled to find their footing.
Winckowski allowed 12 earned runs in seven innings (15.43 ERA) and gave up six walks against four strikeouts while serving up two home runs. Guerrero started off strong but lost his command as camp went along, ultimately allowing nine walks with 10 strikeouts over 5.2 innings while allowing six earned runs (9.53 ERA).
With Winckowski and Guerrero starting in Worcester, the remaining reliever candidates with MLB experience expected to contend for the last bullpen roles include Greg Weissert, Zack Kelly, Brennan Bernardino, Adam Ottavino and Matt Moore. Starting pitcher candidates Cooper Criswell, Sean Newcomb and Michael Fulmer may also factor into the equation as bulk relievers if they don’t make the Opening Day rotation.
Hickey and Kolozsvary were both expected to start the season in the minors, leaving Carlos Narvaez and Blake Sabol as the last two remaining candidates for the backup catcher job behind Connor Wong. The Red Sox have 46 players remaining in big league camp, including 12 non-roster invitees.
