When Will Middlebrooks exited Wednesday’s game with a wrist injury, it was only natural to begin cycling through potential replacements. Fortunately, Middlebrooks checked out OK, but the scare did highlight the lack of third base options the Red Sox have beyond the 24-year-old.
Manager John Farrell is ready to move forward with what he has on the roster, though. According to the Providence Journal’s Brian MacPherson, when asked about the Red Sox’ third-base depth, Farrell said no outside additions to the roster are “being contemplated or imminent.”
One name that started getting tossed around on social media as soon as Middlebrooks left Wednesday’s game was Scott Rolen. But even before Middlebrooks was cleared to resume baseball activities on Thursday, it didn’t appear that Rolen was in the Red Sox’ cards. According to WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford, the Red Sox haven’t called Rolen, even though there is reportedly a belief that the veteran third baseman would be interested in talking with Boston.
Retirement rumors have swirled around Rolen for much of the offseason. The seven-time All-Star will turn 38 in April. He hit .245 with eight home runs and 39 RBIs in 294 at-bats with the Reds last season.
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