Red Sox Make Surprising Cut In Order To Activate Christian Arroyo From Injured List
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The Boston Red Sox made a move nobody saw coming on Monday morning as they elected to place a solid veteran on waivers over the likes of less established players.
The Red Sox designated Raimel Tapia for assignment to clear room for utility man Christian Arroyo, according to the Major League Baseball transaction wire.
Tapia is hitting .264 with six extra-base hits including a home run, 10 RBIs and a .701 OPS in 39 games. Most teams would be thrilled with that caliber of play off the bench, and it seemed as though Tapia had a very clear role on the roster.
At first glance, it's also strange for the Red Sox to place Tapia on waivers when infielders Pablo Reyes and Enmanuel Valdez are fringe players in the same position as Arroyo.
However, the move makes a lot more sense when the full picture is realized. Outfielder Adam Duvall is expected to return to the Red Sox on Friday, which meant an outfielder had to be sent down or placed on waivers this week anyway. Boston will almost certainly remove one of the aforementioned infielders to make room for Duvall.
If this is the route taken by the Red Sox, that would mean outfielder Jarren Duran will have a chance to continue his breakout season.
Tapia has been a serviceable role player who played well enough to remain on the roster but it does make sense to give the young former top prospect a chance to establish himself in the big leagues instead.
There's a good chance Tapia is claimed by an opposing team in the coming days but I'm sure he'd be invited to Triple-A Worcester should he clear waivers.
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