Red Sox's Latest Roster Moves Spell Good News for Andruw Monasterio

Boston Red Sox third baseman Andruw Monasterio The roster picture is coming into focus for the Boston Red Sox, and Andruw Monasterio is in the driver's seat to make his debut for his new team on opening day. On Thursday, the Red Sox made a series of roster moves , optioning infielders Nick Sogard and Tsung-Che Cheng to Triple-A Worcester and reassigning Max Ferguson, Mikey Romero, Tyler McDonough, Allan Castro, and Nathan Hickey to minor-league camp. With a week to go before the regular season begins on the road against the Cincinnati Reds, it appears that the 28-year-old Monasterio has a firm grip on the de facto "Romy Gonzalez role," as the latter will begin the year on the 60-day injured list.

With Caleb Durbin announcing he's been told he'll be the starting third baseman earlier this week, the Red Sox's only infield uncertainty was at second base. Marcelo Mayer should get the starts there against right-handed pitchers, while Monasterio will play against lefties. Nate Eaton, who did well against lefties last season and made the playoff roster, has never played second base in his major league career.

The Red Sox like his athleticism, but he's probably only going to crack the roster if they run short on outfielders again, or if Durbin gets hurt. Eaton saw time at third base while Alex Bregman was hurt last year. Kristian Campbell, Braiden Ward, Vinny Capra, Matt Thaiss, Mickey Gasper, and Jason Delay are among the other position players who remain in major league camp, but don't seem likely to crack the mix for opening day.

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