Chris Sale’s start to spring training has been delayed. Dustin Pedroia won’t start on time either. Now it looks like the top player the Red Sox acquired in the deal that sent Mookie Betts and David Price to Los Angeles may not be ready to play at the start of the 2020 regular season.
According to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, uncertainty around Alex Verdugo’s ability to play to start the season due to his back injury is what led to the Red Sox interest in Kevin Pillar. Though, Boston doesn’t feel Verdugo’s back problem is a “significant” long-term concern.
For help in the short-term, the Red Sox agreed to a one-year deal with Pillar to the tune of $4 million.