Report: Red Sox Shuffle Roster To Make Room For Additions

The Boston Red Sox have some work to do when it comes to their roster.

After Wilyer Abreu was injured on Sunday, the team reportedly summoned Nate Eaton to Fenway Park. They also signed Nathaniel Lowe to a deal, according to reports.

They’ll need two spots on the active roster for the two additions. Lowe also requires a spot on the 40-man, but Eaton already has a spot there.

According to Christopher Smith, Rob Refsnyder is going on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain, clearing one spot on the active roster. Chris Cotillo also reported that Ali Sanchez will be designated for assignment, clearing a 40-man spot.

The injury to Refnsyder comes at a poor time, with the team scheduled to face lefty Trevor Rogers on Monday. Eaton is a switch-hitter and has hit better against lefties, but not to the level of Refsnyder, who excels against southpaws.

Eaton is 6-24 in 14 major league games this season. He’s played third base and both left and center field. For now, he’ll probably play primarily outfield with Wilyer Abreu on the shelf for the next couple of days, and Refsnyder injured.

Abraham Toro’s spot seemed to be in jeopardy with the team adding a first baseman, but he appears to have a spot on the team for now. His playing time will likely be cut with Lowe starting at first base against righties, but he could see time at first or third late in games due to substitutions.

Lowe was pictured in Boston on Monday, though with lefty Trevor Rogers on the mound for the Baltimore Orioles, he’ll probably begin the game on the bench. The Orioles have Tomoyuki Sugano scheduled to pitch on Tuesday, so Lowe will likely make his first start for the Red Sox then.

Sanchez spent about one week with the Red Sox, but didn’t have too much on-field impact. He appeared in one game and made one plate appearance. He lined out to third base in his lone at-bat. If the catcher clears waivers, he can be sent to Triple-A Worcester, where the Red Sox will be happy to have him as additional catching depth.

While the Red Sox shouldn’t have many more major additions to the roster, they could transfer Marcelo Mayer to the 60-day injured list to clear a spot on the 40-man roster should the need arise.