Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell announced several roster moves before Thursday’s spring training game against the New York Yankees at JetBlue Park.
The Red Sox optioned pitcher Rubby De La Rosa and infielder Brock Holt to Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday while also reassigning infielder Brandon Snyder to minor league camp. Holt’s demotion essentially means Jonathan Herrera will be the Red Sox’s utility infielder to begin the 2014 season.
“Prioritizing shortstop play, and while Brock has made strides on the left side of the infield, particularly from the start of last year, we felt with the acquisition of Jonathan there was more middle-of-the-field experience and that’s the choice made,” Farrell told reporters in Fort Myers on Thursday.
Herrera was acquired from the Colorado Rockies over the offseason in exchange for pitchers Franklin Morales and Chris Martin. The 29-year-old switch-hitting infielder batted .292 (57-for-195) in 81 games while playing mostly shortstop and second base with Colorado last season. Herrera has worked extensively this spring training to gain more experience at third base.
De La Rosa had a shaky spring, yet remains one of Boston’s top pitching prospects. The hard-throwing right-hander will report to the minors as a starter, according to Farrell.
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