Red Sox ALCS roster: Changes in the bullpen

Author Alex Barth

October 15th, 2021 1:34 PM

The Red Sox announced their ALCS roster Friday morning, ahead of their Game 1 matchup against the Houston Astros. This roster has two notable changes from the group the Red Sox went with in the ALDS. Relief pitchers Hirokazu Sawamura and Darwinzon Hernandez are included, replacing Austin Davis and Garrett Richards.

This is Sawamura’s first time on a playoff roster. The rookie was not active for the Wild Card game or ALDS. Hernandez will make his playoff debut as well – the 24-year-old had a 3.38 ERA in 48 relief appearances this season.

Davis was on both the Wild Card and ALDS rosters. He threw just a third of an inning, recording an out and walking a batter. Richards was removed from the playoff roster due to injury during the ALDS, meaning he’s not eligible to pitch again until the World Series. At the time he was replaced by Matt Barnes, who is also not apart of the 26-man unit for the ALCS.

Here’s a full look at the roster the Red Sox will go with against the Astros in the ALCS.

• Pitchers (13)

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  • Ryan Brasier
  • Nathan Eovaldi
  • Darwinzon Hernandez
  • Tanner Houck
  • Adam Ottavino
  • Martín Pérez
  • Nick Pivetta
  • Hansel Robles
  • Eduardo Rodriguez
  • Chris Sale
  • Hirokazu Sawamura
  • Josh Taylor
  • Garrett Whitlock

  
  We already know Chris Sale and Nate Eovaldi will start Games 1 and 2 for the Red Sox, and that Eduardo Rodriguez is available out of the bullpen if needed in Game 1. How things shake out beyond that will likely be determined by Alex Cora as the series goes on.
  
  If they can, the Red Sox should look to set Nick Pivetta up for a start in Game 3 or Game 4, especially coming off his outstanding extra innings relief appearance against the Rays. If the Red Sox don't end up needing Rodriguez in Houston, he's the most likely candidate for the fourth starter spot.
  
  In the bullpen Cora had been mostly using Hansel Robles as his closer, with Garrett Whitlock occasionally seeing time in the role. We'll see if Robles remains in the role after blowing the save in Game 3, or if Whitlock sees a bigger share of the work. Leading up to the end of games, Tanner Houck remains one of this team's most valuable weapons in the 'Andrew Miller role.'

• Catchers (2)

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  • Kevin Plawecki
  • Christian Vázquez

  
  Christian Vazquez saw the majority of the action in the ALDS, hitting .375 including his walk-off home run. Expect him to remain the primary catcher to start this series, with Plawecki a solid second option.

• Infielders (5)

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  • Christian Arroyo
  • Xander Bogaerts
  • Bobby Dalbec
  • Rafael Devers
  • Travis Shaw

  
  Bobby Dalbec was 0-for-6 in the ALDS, while Kyle Schwarber hit .313 in 16 at-bats. Schwarber is listed as an outfielder, but  if those trends continue, could the Red Sox consider a more regular role for him at first base?
  
  At second base, Christian Arroyo did a good job filling in for the ineligible Jose Iglesias. He hit .313 with an OBP of. 688.
• Outfielders (4)

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  • J.D. Martinez
  • Hunter Renfroe
  • Kyle Schwarber
  • Alex Verdugo

  
  All four of these players had at least one RBI in the ALDS. J.D. Martinez in particular has been red hot - he hit .467 in the series after a quiet second half of the regular season.

• Utility (2)

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  • Kiké Hernández
  • Danny Santana

  
  There may be no hotter hitter in the playoffs than Kiké Hernández. He hit .450 against the Rays with three doubles and two home runs in the four games, while driving in six runs. One of those runs was Danny Santana, who scored as a pinch runner on the final walk-off. That pinch-running role will likely be his job again this series.

Click here for full coverage of the Boston Red Sox at 985TheSportsHub.com.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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Author Alex Barth

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Tags:

2021 mlb playoffs,Boston Red Sox,Houston Astros,MLB