When spring training commenced, the Boston Red Sox found themselves lacking the anticipated star power, a disappointment attributed to unfulfilled assurances from ownership and baseball operations personnel.
Nevertheless, one aspect where Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow made strides was in bolstering the bullpen. Rather than splurging on top-tier talent, Breslow acquired promising young pitchers with controllable contracts, who have since showcased their skills in Fort Myers.
The acquisitions of Justin Slaten, a Rule 5 Draft pick necessitating a spot on the major league roster, along with Isaiah Campbell and Greg Weissert, have intensified the competition for bullpen slots. Additionally, Breslow surprised many by securing Chase Anderson, despite his lackluster 2023 performance, with a Major League deal.
With these new additions, manager Alex Cora faces tough decisions. After securing positions for the aforementioned players, Cora announced that Brennan Bernardino, a breakout star from the previous season, would start the season with Triple-A Worcester.
According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, Bernardino, who excelled in 2023 with a 3.20 ERA and notable pitching statistics, was reassigned despite his impactful contributions since being claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
The decision to send Bernardino to the minors suggests the Red Sox are prioritizing long-term strategy. With Joely Rodríguez, the only other left-handed pitcher with an opportunity to make the Opening Day roster after Chris Murphy’s injury, opting out of his minor league deal, the Red Sox were faced with a dilemma. By allocating Rodríguez Bernardino’s spot, they retained both pitchers, positioning Bernardino for a potential call-up when needed due to injury, fatigue, or performance.
While Bernardino’s absence from the Opening Day roster may come as a surprise, it’s likely he’ll spend a significant portion of the season in Boston.
