Red Sox roster: How Connor Wong, ex-All-Star’s opt-out complicate capturing
TORONTO– The Red Sox are “striving” catcher Connor Wong (fractured pinky) to return from the 10-day injured list this coming weekend, supervisor Alex Cora said.Wong isn’t
in Triple-A Worcester’s lineup Wednesday after playing in rehabilitation games with them Sunday and Tuesday. The expectation is he will play once again Thursday and will require more than one more rehabilitation game before he’s ready to be triggered.
“He does not feel comfortable catching today,” Cora said Wednesday here at Rogers Centre. “There’s a bit of hesitation with particular pitches. So he’s going to offer it a try tomorrow, see how he feels.”
Wong worked out with catching planner Tyson Blaser on Wednesday.
“Ideally he feels better and we can get him back over the weekend,” Cora said.As Wong works his method back from the IL, Yasmani Grandal has an opt-out decision to make Thursday.
The 36-year-old Grandal, a two-time All-Star, signed with Boston three days after Wong broke his pinky. His minor league offer includes a Might 1 opt-out.
Grandal is playing for the WooSox on Wednesday after not appearing in a game given that Sunday.
“He’s been OK however he’s been banged up,” Cora said.
Grandal entered today 6-for-20 (.300) with a. 440 on-base portion,.600 slugging portion, one homer, three doubles, 5 RBIs, 3 runs, five strikeouts and five strolls in six games for Worcester.Catcher Carlos Narváez
has played strong defense with Wong sidelined. Cora has indicated Narváez and Wong will divide time instead of Wong being the No. 1 catcher and Narváez being the backup.Narváez ranks in the 100th percentile amongst big league
catchers in blocks above average(5 ). He remains in the 88th percentile in both framing and fielding run value. “Carlos is going to play. He’s going to play, “Cora said previously this week.”So we’ll figure out how we’re going to do it. However he’s done a remarkable task. Right now he’s the very best protective catcher in the major leagues. He’s putting excellent at-bats( together). That’s how it works, right? We’re thrilled to have them both whenever Connor gets here. “Blake Sabol has actually backed up Narváez. He will be optioned to Worcester when Wong is ready.More Red Sox coverage