The Red Sox executed an unexpected roster change late Tuesday night, apparently solidifying their Opening Day bullpen setup. They officially reassigned left-handed pitcher Brennan Bernardino, who gained recognition as a consistent performer in 2023, to Triple-A Worcester for the start of the season. Bernardino, honored by the Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America as the “unsung hero” last year, seemed like a strong contender for a roster spot when spring training commenced. However, he now emerges as Boston’s most surprising exclusion ahead of the season opener against the Mariners on Thursday night.
Manager Alex Cora, speaking from Texas, conveyed to reporters that sending Bernardino down was the most challenging roster decision for the Sox this spring. He expressed his belief that Bernardino would still contribute at the major league level throughout the season, anticipating the 32-year-old would shuttle between Boston and Worcester several times in the coming months.
Cora had previously indicated that the Red Sox aimed to have two left-handed pitchers in the bullpen at the season’s outset, but they will now go with just one—veteran Joely Rodríguez, who secured his spot on the team after activating an opt-out clause in his contract on Sunday. The bullpen will feature seven right-handers, including closer Kenley Jansen, setup man Chris Martin, long relievers Josh Winckowski and Chase Anderson, Rule 5 pick Justin Slaten, and middle relief arms Isaiah Campbell and Greg Weissert.
Following Tuesday’s exhibition game in Texas, Cora informed reporters, including Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe, that Weissert, who was initially expected to make the team before Bernardino’s exclusion, had indeed made the roster. There remains a slight possibility that the Red Sox may explore the market for available players and make a late addition, similar to their weekend acquisition of Anderson, who had opted out of a deal with Pittsburgh.
Bernardino was acquired by the Red Sox from the Mariners on April 16 of the previous season and made his debut for the club eight days later. In 55 appearances, including six starts as an opener, the former 26th-round draft pick posted a 3.20 ERA and recorded 58 strikeouts in 50 ⅔ innings. He struck out five batters in 6 ⅔ innings during spring training this year.
The Red Sox will have a substantial pool of left-handed relievers starting the season in Worcester, including Bernardino, Lucas Luetge, Joe Jacques, Jorge Benítez, and Cam Booser on the WooSox’ roster. Left-hander Chris Murphy is expected to miss the season due to a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow.