The Boston Red Sox made an unexpected roster move late Tuesday night, opting to send left-handed pitcher Brennan Bernardino to Triple-A Worcester to start the season. Bernardino, who had been a reliable contributor in 2023 and was recognized by the Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America as the “unsung hero” last year, was initially expected to secure a spot on the roster when spring training began. However, his demotion comes as a surprise and marks one of the most unexpected cuts for the Red Sox as they prepare for their season opener against the Mariners on Thursday night.
In Texas, manager Alex Cora expressed to reporters that the decision to send Brennan Bernardino to the minors was the most challenging roster move the Red Sox had to make during spring training. Despite this demotion, Cora emphasized his belief that Bernardino would still contribute significantly in the major leagues throughout the season. The 32-year-old pitcher, who had a notable role last year, is expected to shuttle between Boston and Worcester multiple times over the coming months.
Previously, Cora had mentioned the team’s intention to have two left-handed pitchers in the bullpen at the start of the season, alongside their five right-handed starters in the rotation. However, with Bernardino’s move to Triple-A, the Red Sox will now carry only one lefty in their bullpen, namely veteran Joely RodrÃguez. RodrÃguez was informed on Sunday that he made the team after exercising an opt-out clause in his contract. The rest of the bullpen is anticipated to include closer Kenley Jansen, setup man Chris Martin, long relievers Josh Winckowski and Chase Anderson, Rule 5 selection Justin Slaten, and middle relief pitchers Isaiah Campbell and Greg Weissert, all of whom are right-handers.
After the exhibition game in Texas on Tuesday, manager Alex Cora informed reporters, including Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe, that Greg Weissert, who was initially expected to be left out of the roster with Brennan Bernardino’s anticipated inclusion, has secured a spot on the team. However, there is still a slight possibility that the Red Sox might explore the market for available players and make a late addition, similar to their recent signing of Anderson over the weekend after he opted out of a deal with Pittsburgh.
The Red Sox acquired Bernardino from the Mariners on April 16 last season, and he made his debut for the club eight days later. In 55 games, including six starts as an opener, the former 26th-round pick achieved a 3.20 ERA and recorded 58 strikeouts in 50 â…” innings. During this spring’s exhibition games, he struck out five batters in 6 â…” innings.
Heading into the season, the Red Sox will have a deep pool of left-handed relievers starting in Worcester, including Bernardino, Lucas Luetge, Joe Jacques, Jorge BenÃtez, and Cam Booser on the WooSox’ roster. Unfortunately, left-hander Chris Murphy is expected to miss the season due to a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow.
