Let’s hope that Garrett Whitlock is able to return to action when he’s eligible on June 9, because the Red Sox bullpen is dealing with a few injury issues. Jovani Moran has been placed on the IL with “a little inflammation on the elbow.” He’s been replaced on the roster by Alec Gamboa, who has a 3.66 ERA with Worcester so far this year. In more concerning news, Aroldis Chapman is dealing with a sore hamstring. “We think he should be good right now,” said Chad Tracy. “Obviously, you saw he was (moving gingerly Friday). We know that. If it got to a point where we feel like we can’t do it, we won’t do it. We’re always talking with Aroldis on that, too.” (Sean McAdam, MassLive)
Moran was recently seen as Brayan Bello’s opener, but that’s not a role the Sox need right now, with Bello having been demoted to AAA. And it’s not just flawed mechanics or pitch shapes that the Sox want Bello working on down there. “When I first got here, he was a guy that had this big personality, and always had a smile on his face, interacting with teammates,” said Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. “You could tell just how he loved to compete and loved to pitch, and I think we lost that a little bit where he was putting a ton of pressure on himself to go out and perform.” (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
Let’s be thankful that Willson Contreras hasn’t had any big injury issues, or else this team would really be in rough shape. Contreras isn’t just someone who’s been performing on the field, either, but leading through the example of his fiery attitude. “He wants the game played the right way.” said Wilyer Abreu. “He brings that kind of energy to the field every day.” (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
It’s no secret that, should the Red Sox decide to sell at the trade deadline this year, both Contreras and Chapman will be likely candidates to head out the door. But they aren’t the only names being discussed right now. “With three catchers on the big-league roster — Carlos Narváez, Connor Wong and Mickey Gasper — Boston’s surplus is drawing interest. The Red Sox are shopping Wong in particular, according to a league source, and have also fielded calls on relievers Aroldis Chapman, Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock.” Now, I’m no big city CBO, but it’s hard for me to see a 30-year-old backup catcher with 4.4 career bWAR bringing much back, but sure, why not, go for it, Craig. (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic)
