On the morning of their home opener against the New York Yankees, Terry Francona and the Boston Red Sox have announced several roster moves involving their bullpen.
First and foremost, the Red Sox have activated young lefty Felix Doubront from the disabled list, and in a corresponding move, have designated left-handed reliever Dennys Reyes for assignment.
"It was obviously a pretty short look," said Terry Francona of the Sox stint for Reyes, who had a 16.20 ERA in his four appearances. "It's hard to have a lefty, one lefty, that wasn't throwing the ball over the plate. We love Doubront -- he wasn't ready to pitch when we left -- so I think getting Felix here is something we're excited about. I know it was a short leash with Dennys but we need to try and win some games." (via WEEI)
Our friend and fellow SB Nation Boston writer Ben Buchanan provides some analysis on the Reyes move at Over The Monster.
If Reyes is gone and not just on his way to the disabled list, then that's an awfully quick cut after just four outings. Still, those appearances were pretty bad, with Reyes giving up three hits, two walks, and hitting two batters in the process. Most recently, he failed to record an out against the Cleveland Indians while throwing just one strike.
In another move, Matt Albers has been placed on the 15-day disabled list after straining his right latissimus. The injury came out of nowhere according to Albers, who didn't even realize he was injured until Tuesday morning when he was warming up for an appearance against the Cleveland Indians.
"When I was warming up it sort of grabbed a little bit," he said. "The next day it was sore and a little weak. I don't think it's super serious, but rest is the only thing you can do right now.
"I didn't know what to expect, if I was going to bounce back really quick, a couple of days or a couple of weeks. the last couple of days it's felt a lot better. It kind of sucks. It's just one of those things where I never dealt with it before."
WEEI reported that the Red Sox have called up former Yankees pitcher Alfredo Aceves to take Albers' place.
Albers has not allowed a run and has struck out three while walking two batters in two appearances this season against Cleveland on Apr. 5 and against the Texas Rangers on Apr. 1.