The Boston Red Sox will begin their 2022 MLB season Friday against the rival New York Yankees, and on Thursday they announced their Opening Day roster.
Kutter Crawford making the roster probably was the biggest surprise, although that news was revealed earlier this week. The right-handed reliever gave an excellent performance in spring training and earned a spot in the bullpen.
Relief pitcher Hansel Robles made the roster over Tyler Danish, who was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday. Infielders Travis Shaw and Jonathan Arauz were selected to the major league roster as bench players.
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The Red Sox also announced Thursday that right-handed pitchers Eduard Bazardo and Ralph Garza Jr. were designated for assignment. Relief pitcher Josh Taylor was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 4) with a low back strain.
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Here's the official Opening Day roster for the Red Sox.
Pitchers: Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, Kutter Crawford, Austin Davis, Jake Diekman, Nathan Eovaldi, Rich Hill, Tanner Houck, Nick Pivetta, Hansel Robles, Hirokazu Sawamura, Matt Strahm, Phillips Valdez, Michael Wacha, Garrett Whitlock
Boston Red Sox
Catchers: Kevin Plawecki, Christian Vazquez
Infielders: Jonathan Arauz, Xander Bogaerts, Bobby Dalbec, Rafael Devers, Travis Shaw, Trevor Story
Outfielders: Jackie Bradley Jr., J.D. Martinez, Alex Verdugo
Infielder/Outfielders: Christian Arroyo, Kike Hernandez
Injured List (all pitchers): James Paxton, Chris Sale, Josh Taylor
First pitch for Red Sox vs. Yankees on Friday is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET. The Red Sox will start Nathan Eovaldi and the Yankees will counter with Gerrit Cole.