Boston Red Sox Release Minor League Outfielder Steve Selsky

News broke early Sunday morning by Chris Cotillo that the Boston Red Sox released outfielder Steve Selsky. Selsky was outfield depth that was expected to start the season at AAA Pawtucket.

Source: Red Sox release outfielder Steve Selsky.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) April 1, 2018

In 2017, Selsky broke out in spring training with the Red Sox and actually began the season with the Red Sox before being sent down to AAA Pawtucket. Last season, he struggled with the Paw Sox. In 79 games, he had a .215 avg in 297 AB’s with 11 home runs and 39 RBI’s. On June 5th of last season, He had a .274 avg. So over the second half of the season, Selsky really struggled and looked lost at the plate as he did have 97 strike outs.

Realistically, you were only going to see Steve Selsky at the AAA level this season. But with the crowded outfield for the Paw Sox with Jeremy Barfield, Rusney Castillo, and Aneury Tavarez, he wasn’t going to get many at bats.

Well, the expected has now become a reality.

On Monday ahead of a Spring Training game Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced his starting rotation for the first time.

Chris Sale

David Price

Rick Porcello

Hector Velazquez

Brian Johnson

It also appears with the optioning of reliever Brandon Workman that Marcus Walden will be with the big league club to start the season rather than be in Pawtucket.

Steven Wright was also placed on the 10-day-dl.

Prior to tonight’s game against the Chicago Cubs, the #RedSox placed RHP Steven Wright on the 10-day disabled list. Wright is recovering from a cartilage restoration procedure performed on his left knee on May 8, 2017.

— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 26, 2018

Also on the DL to start the season is Drew Pomeranz and Eduardo Rodriguez.

Red Sox Option Brandon Workman To AAA Pawtucket

Before tonight’s exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs, the Red Sox announced that Brandon Workman was optioned to AAA Pawtucket. Even though Workman struggled this spring, it was assumed that Workman would make the major league roster.

This spring, Workman had a 5.59 ERA in 9 2/3 innings. That included him giving up 14 hits, 8 runs (6 earned), 2 home runs, 3 walks, and 8 strikeouts.

Prior to tonight’s game against the Chicago Cubs, the Boston #RedSox made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/1kkFB6ebjz

— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 26, 2018

This gives another reliever an option to get into that Red Sox bullpen. The first name that comes to mind is Marcus Walden. Walden has excelled this spring for the Red Sox. In 13 innings, he has had a 0.69 ERA with 15 strikeouts. Assuming they go with Walden, there will be another move to take someone off of the 40 man roster.

I’m just speculating here, but it will probably be Marco Hernandez being put on the 60-day disabled list. That will create another spot on the 40 man roster so Walden can be put on the Red Sox opening day Roster