The Red Sox are getting closer to finalizing their Opening Day roster, officially announcing another roster cut while adding a second left-handed pitcher to the bullpen.
C.J. Cron, a veteran first baseman who was expected to compete for the back-up spot behind Triston Casas, has been officially released, the club announced Sunday morning. The club has also told left-hander Joely Rodriguez that he’s made the Opening Day roster, which the lefty confirmed to reporters in Fort Myers.
Alex Speier of The Boston Globe was first to report the news.
Cron and Rodriguez both signed minor league deals with the Red Sox this offseason, including opt out provisions that would allow them to become free agents if they didn’t make the big league team. Both triggered their respective opt outs on Friday, giving the Red Sox until Sunday to make a decision on each.
Rodriguez used to be a member of last year’s big league bullpen but missed almost the entire season due to a series of injuries. The 32-year-old, who has a 4.70 ERA in 168 MLB appearances, came into the spring fully healthy and sought the opportunity to earn his way back onto the team. Now he will be one of two left-handed pitchers in the Red Sox bullpen, likely joining incumbent Brennan Bernardino.
As for Cron, the 34-year-old was added after camp opened to provide additional right-handed power and competition for incumbent back-up Bobby Dalbec. The decision to release Cron bodes well for Dalbec’s chances of making the Opening Day roster, though the club could potentially still seek an outside addition as other clubs begin making their final cuts ahead of the regular season.
