Red Sox weigh roster moves as injured players near return

Boston Red Sox manager and front office officials are assessing roster options after a strong 32-8 run since late June. Catcher Adley Rutschman completed a rehab assignment and is slated for activation against the Toronto Blue Jays. The club must decide whether to reinstate shortstop Trevor Story, outfielder Roman Anthony, second baseman Curtis Mead and starter Garrett Crochet, all of whom are expected to be healthy soon.

If any of those four return, the team would need to remove current contributors who have helped the recent winning streak. Shortstop Luis Monasterio has posted a .337/.409/.568 slash line in July but his defensive metrics are mixed, with a +1 outs-above-average rating but a -2 defensive runs saved figure. Story, the highest-paid position player, is available without a roster move, while Anthony is considered a potential everyday left-fielder once cleared to play.

Pitcher Garrett Crochet is unlikely to rejoin the rotation in time and would probably be used out of the bullpen, where left-hander lefty options such as Michael Moran could be considered. Relievers Aroldis Chapman and Erik Miller remain on the staff. The status of bench players such as Jahmai Jones and Eli White, who provide right-handed depth and speed, is also under review.

Second-base depth includes Curtis Mead and Luis Gonzalez, who could boost right-side offense if healthy, with the possibility of replacing defensive specialist Jake Sogard if needed. The front office appears poised to favor a middle-infield configuration of Story, Mead and Monasterio over the current trio of Sogard, Seigler and Monasterio.