Red Sox calling up infielder, right-handed pitcher for September roster expansion

Mike Masala

Red Sox calling up infielder, right-handed pitcher for September roster expansion image

On Sunday, all 30 teams across the MLB will gain two more roster spots, expanding rosters to 28 players over the final month of the regular season.

While the Boston Red Sox could've called up one of their top prospects to fill their need for a right-handed bat, they're going in a different direction.

According to MLB.com's Ian Browne, Boston is calling up infielder Enmanuel Valdez and right-handed pitcher Chase Shugart from Triple-A Worcester to fill the two open spots.

Valdez, 25, has been back and forth between Boston and Worcester this season, as he was most recently sent down in mid-August. In 189 plate appearances this year for the Red Sox, he's hit .224 with a .682 OPS, six home runs, 27 RBIs and a stolen base. He may get some real opportunities at second base with David Hamilton injured.

Shugart, 27, made his MLB debut in August, appearing in one game and allowing one run on three hits while striking out two batters in 2 2/3 innings against the Baltimore Orioles. Over 65 1/3 innings in Triple-A, he's posted a 5.79 ERA and a 1.347 WHIP while striking out 77 batters. Boston could use any help they can get in the bullpen, so this isn't too surprising.

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Mike Masala

Mike Masala Photo

Mike Masala previously served as the Managing Editor of USA TODAY's Dolphins Wire as well as a contributing writer at Patriots Wire. A lifelong New England resident, he is the self-proclaimed captain and lone member of the Laurence Maroney Fan Club. Follow on Twitter/X: @Mike_Masala