John Farrell Fully Expects Jackie Bradley Jr. to Begin Season in Minors, But Still Not Ruling Anything Out

by Ricky Doyle on Sat, Mar 9, 2013 at 6:48PM

It seems that Jackie Bradley Jr. is out to prove something each time he steps onto the diamond. That hard work has certainly caught the eye of manager John Farrell.

Farrell has faced questions all spring about whether Bradley has a shot at cracking Boston’s Opening Day roster. Those questions will only increase if David Ortiz‘s status doesn’t improve and the Sox are thus forced to turn elsewhere when filling out their roster.

Farrell was asked before Saturday’s game if Bradley could make the roster if Ortiz starts the season on the disabled list, and the Sox skipper reiterated his previous stance.

“That discussion is yet to be had. Regardless of who would fill out the 25-man roster, you know what, I can’t sit here today and say that’s not an option that wouldn’t be discussed,” Farrell told reporters in Fort Myers. “Keep in mind that we fully expect Jackie to begin the season in the minor leagues. So we’ll see — we’ll work through the combinations that exist here in camp and, again, we haven’t ruled out David either.”

WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford reports that a major league source has indicated flatly that Bradley will begin the season in the minors. However, that source reportedly added that the 22-year-old could become a big league consideration very early in 2013.

Bradley has certainly looked impressive in his first big league camp. Entering Saturday’s game, Bradley was 10-for-20 with a double, two RBIs, three walks, six runs and a stolen base in 10 Grapefruit League contests.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Twitter/@JackieBradleyJr