Later in the day, the team also seemed to have set its pitching staff when it optioned righthanders Zack Kelly and Tyler Uberstine and lefthander Payton Tolle and reassigned righthander Tommy Kahnle to minor league camp. Barring something unexpected that puts lefthanders Danny Coulombe and Connelly Early on the roster, along with righthander Johan Oviedo.
With five outfielders on the roster — Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Masataka Yoshida — Cora said the Sox would be aggressive pinch hitting late in games.
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“Having [Wong] behind the plate if he doesn’t start or it’s the other way around is a must for me,” Cora said. “I’m very comfortable where we’re at. We’re going to be versatile and we’re going to have some good weapons coming off the bench.”
Utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa and first baseman Willson Contreras also have catching experience and could be used in an emergency.
Monasterio, 28, is a righthanded hitter who has major league experience at all four infield positions. He was obtained from Milwaukee just before the start of spring training in a six-player trade that also returned third baseman Caleb Durbin.
Monasterio has played all four infield positions during spring training and hit .300 with an .808 OPS over 17 games.
“Good athlete, versatile, a good at-bat against lefties,” Cora said.
Cora said the Sox would introduce Monasterio to the outfield over time. But that’s less of a concern with Kiner-Falefa on the bench.
The Sox also decided to retain reliever Ryan Watson, their Rule 5 pick from the Giants via the Athletics. The 28-year-old righthander was close to tears describing being told he was finally a major leaguer.
“It’s something I’ve been working really hard for my whole life,” he said. “It’s a lot of emotion.”
Watson allowed seven earned runs on seven hits and in his first five innings. But his last four appearances were much sharper and persuaded the Sox to give him a chance as a multi-inning reliever.
Cora had two former Rule 5 picks, Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock, in his office to help give Watson the good news.
Coulombe, who was signed March 13, pitched a scoreless sixth inning in Monday’s 9-6 loss against the Twins. He will likely stay back when the team travels to Cincinnati to pitch again Wednesday in a minor league game.
Oviedo, who entered camp favored to claim the last rotation spot, allowed six earned runs on six hits over 3 innings against the Twins.
Five of those runs came in an ugly fourth inning. Oviedo pitched well in his previous four starts but lacked fastball command Monday.
“The main goal was to be healthy and ready for the season,” Oviedo said.
Cora said the Sox are impressed with Oviedo’s stuff but want to see more consistency.
Early pitched five innings in a minor league game, throwing 81 pitches. He allowed three runs on five hits and walked two with five strikeouts.
Either Early or Oviedo would be in the rotation with the other in the bullpen.
Lefthander Tyler Samaniego was optioned to minor league camp. He was one of the players acquired from the Pirates in December along with Oviedo . . . Anthony Eyanson was named to the All-Spring Breakout second team. The 21-year-old righthander struck out three in one inning against the Orioles on Friday.
Peter Abraham can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Bluesky at peteabeglobe.bsky.social.
