Red Sox Make Curious Decision With Latest Roster Move Amid Struggles

The Boston Red Sox made a surprising addition to the roster ahead of the second game of an abbreviated doubleheader against the New York Mets on Saturday.

Boston had the opportunity to add a 27th player to the roster due to the aforementioned doubleheader and chose a pitcher who is not on the 40-man roster, nor has he ever appeared in a big league game.

Right-hander Norwith Gudiño will make his debut on Saturday during what would be best described as a middling season with Triple-A Worcester.

The 27-year-old has a 5.54 ERA with a 30-to-27 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .270 batting average against and 1.63 WHIP in 52 innings for the WooSox.

The Red Sox entered the week needing two bullpen games per rotation turn and Kutter Crawford was only able to go four innings due to the rain delay Friday.

Two days prior, Brayan Bello was only able to go equally as far due to underperformance. There was an off day in-between but the bullpen is and will continue to be taxed. All of that is to say, there’s a great chance Gudiño actually plays in this game.

Given that he gives up a lot of hits and walks, it would be wise to temper expectations.

With the decision to buy or sell on the line in the coming games, Red Sox manager Alex Cora has to roll the dice with a struggling minor leaguer and that’s just not acceptable.