Alex Cora talks cuts, concerns over Chris Murphy's elbow
FORT MYERS, Fla. - The vision of the Red Sox' Opening Day bullpen became a little clearer Monday morning with the team making a series of roster moves prior to their workout:
Red Sox manager Alex Cora had high praise for the two lefties who were sent down, Benitez and Booser. For Benitez it was an opportunity to get out a high level of hitters, having not yet pitched above Double-A but striking out 14 in his 7 2/3 innings during Grapefruit League action. Booser offered also offered intrigue, particularly due to a fastball that approached 100 mph.
One lefty not in the equation for the time being will be Chris Murphy. A contributor to the 2023 major league club, Murphy will undergo an MRI on his left throwing elbow after experiencing discomfort in the area throughout camp.
Murphy pitched well in his most recent outing, striking out five while allowing just one hit over 2 1/3 innings against the Phillies. For the spring, he appeared in four games, going 7 1/3 frames while only having one rough outing (March 10 vs. the Twins).
The remaining lefties still in camp for the Red Sox are Brennan Bernardino, Lucas Luetge and Joely Rodriguez. (Luetge and Rodriguez are non-roster invitees.)
Cora expressed the importance of whatever lefty does make the team to be able to get out right-handed hitters, especially considering the entirety of the starting rotation is comprised of righties. He also singled out right-handed reliever candidates Josh Winckowski and Isaiah Campell as two pitchers who have shown the ability to consistently get left-handed batters out.