Utility Infielder Predicted To Make Red Sox's Opening Day Roster

Utility Infielder Predicted To Make Red Sox's Opening Day Roster originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The Boston Red Sox have some tough roster decisions to make ahead of Opening Day.

Boston likely has one bench spot up for grabs, as Romy Gonzalez is injured and will miss the first couple of months of the season. With that, Red Sox insider Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic predicts utility infielder Andrew Monasterio will land the final roster spot.

"With Romy Gonzalez placed on the 60-day injury list following left shoulder surgery (a relatively minor procedure he called a best-case scenario), the rest of the bench has added importance,” McCaffrey wrote in an article published on Friday.

“The last bench spot normally would go to an outfielder, but given that the Red Sox have four outfielders already, another infielder feels more likely. Andruw Monasterio has performed well this spring and hits lefties (.837 OPS last year) well. He’s not a one-for-one replacement for Gonzalez, but should be able to handle that role.”

The Red Sox acquired Monasterio from the Milwaukee Brewers in the Caleb Durbin trade. The 28-year-old can play third base, second base, and shortstop, so he gives manager Alex Cora some flexibility with his roster and bench.

In spring training, the utility player has performed well as he’s hitting .323 with one home run and five RBIs. Last season with the Brewers, he hit .270 with four home runs and 16 RBIs.

Boston will open its 2026 MLB season on March 26 on the road against the Cincinnati Reds .

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