With each MLB club’s active roster expanding from 26 to 28 at the start of September, the Red Sox had an opportunity to add a pitcher and a position player ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Guardians.
Both players called up were familiar faces, though one wasn’t exactly on anyone’s radar heading into the week.
The Red Sox announced Monday morning they had called up right-hander Zack Kelly and catcher Ali Sanchez. Sanchez briefly played for the Red Sox earlier this month before being designated for assignment, but he was reacquired in a minor league trade with the New York Mets late Sunday night just in time to remain eligible for the postseason.
According to multiple reports, Sanchez was acquired for cash considerations. To clear space on the 40-man roster the Red Sox also moved Marcelo Mayer to the 60-day injured list.
Sanchez has bounced all over the league over the past few weeks. The four-year MLB veteran started the season in the Blue Jays organization before being claimed off waivers by the Red Sox. He appeared in one game for Boston, coming off the bench to get one pinch hit at bat, and was subsequently designated for assignment as picked up by the New York Mets.
Sanchez appeared in three minor league games for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate before being re-acquired by the Red Sox on Sunday.
“With Ali we saw an opportunity to bring a good catcher, a guy that we really like, and we don’t know what the future holds,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “Carlos was banged up a few weeks ago, he’s been able to post, but we feel confident that hopefully he can stay healthy but at the same time if something happens he can help us win games.”
Boston’s decision to bring back Sanchez likely also stems partly from a lack of available internal options. Most of the club’s other position player candidates in Triple-A are either injured (Vaughn Grissom) or not eligible to be called up (Nick Sogard, Jhostynxon Garcia, Abraham Toro) because not enough time has passed since they were last sent down.
One player who is eligible for a call-up is Kristian Campbell, but the Red Sox have given every indication they don’t believe he’s ready and would prefer he continue to work in Triple-A for the time being.
Kelly has appeared in 17 MLB games this season while posting a 5.56 ERA. He last pitched for Boston on June 29 and missed roughly a month with an oblique injury, and since returning to the mound in Triple-A he’s posted a 4.40 ERA in 10 appearances.
“With Zack, a righty who can go multiple innings, so he’s here, he’s been here before, he knows how we operate and we’ll see how we use him,” Cora said.
Wednesday’s starter still TBD
The Red Sox may need to make an additional move on Wednesday to add a starting pitcher. Cora said the club still hasn’t decided who will start the series finale, and when asked if left-hander Kyle Harrison is the top candidate, responded by saying the club is considering many people, without elaborating on who.
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