Red Sox ALDS roster: Four spots changed from Wild Card round

The Boston Red Sox have set their 26-man roster for the 2021 ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays. Designated hitter/outfielder J.D. Martinez is back on the roster, while reliever Matt Barnes, notably, is not.

In total, Boston will carry 13 pitchers on its ALDS roster. After rostering three catchers for the Wild Card play-in game against the New York Yankees, they will carry only two for the series against Tampa Bay.

Barnes qualifies as the biggest surprise, as far as roster absences are concerned. The 2021 All-Star hasn't recorded a save since Aug. 4, and pitched in the ninth inning only once in six September appearances. Barnes posted an ERA of 9.26 with two blown saves in August and September.

In recent weeks, the Red Sox have gone with a committee approach. Hansel Robles recorded saves in two out of the Red Sox' final three games. Adam Ottavino and Garrett Whitlock are also candidates for save situations in the ALDS.

"There’s a lot of guys throwing the ball well," Red Sox Manager Alex Cora said in late September (via MassLive). “We’ve been going to different people, different guys, and they’ve done the job. I like structure, but obviously with where we’re at right now, I think we’ll keep it at this and see where it takes us."

Here's a look at the complete Red Sox ALDS roster for their best-of-five series against the Rays...

Game 1 is set for first pitch at 8:07 p.m. ET from Tropicana Field.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.