The Tuesday, March 30, 2021

* The Boston Globe

At Fenway this year, players will abandon the suite life and get back in the clubhouse

Alex Speier

Anxiety engulfed the Red Sox in the wake of reliever ’s recent positive COVID-19 test, a reminder of the vulnerability within the shared space of a clubhouse during a pandemic.

Ultimately, the unease proved temporary, as Barnes tested negative several times over the next 48 hours, resulting in his clearance (along with eight other players who’d been isolated as a result of contact tracing) to return to the team. Yet it served as a reminder of what teams may confront in the year to come — and that the Red Sox have a very different clubhouse setup to contain the spread of the virus this year.

A year ago, Red Sox players had the most luxurious accommodations in the history of Fenway Park. With a need to implement social distancing and other safety protocols, the Red Sox abandoned their clubhouse and got creative, relocating players and coaches to luxury suites.

The suites, which housed two players each, proved effective in keeping the players safe, healthy, and comfortable. When players reported for the summer training period in July, they were dazzled by the setup.

But the suites came with a drawback. Player interactions dwindled. Familiar rituals such as conversations over meals were lost. For coaches and front office staff, the dispersal made it difficult to locate players and thus to coach and help them.

By contrast, on road trips, the team was together in visiting clubhouses large enough to maintain social distancing. Those trips remained safe — no Red Sox players were infected with COVID-19 — and reinforced the sense that something had been lost in the suite setup.

It’s impossible to say whether the setup played a role in the Sox’ poor performance at Fenway Park, where they went 11-20 for a .355 winning percentage that was their third-worst since the park’s opening in 1912. (They were 13-16 on the road.) But a consensus formed among team members that the configuration certainly didn’t help.

“The player response was appreciative that the team was looking out for them and went to great lengths to make them as comfortable as possible,” said assistant general manager Eddie Romero. “[But] there was definitely something missing in the team-building environment.

“It was nobody’s fault. It was all done with the best of health intentions. But over the course of the season, it did have an effect on the overall camaraderie and chemistry of the team, just because you found yourself isolated in the suites a lot.”

That won’t be the case this year — both out of preference and necessity. With the return of fans to Fenway, suites weren’t an option. But even if they had been, the team had already determined to return to shared spaces, with an understanding that diligence with protocols — masking, testing, congregating in open air at the ballpark, safe behavior away from it — could allow that.

A group of team officials — including executive vice president Jonathan Gilula, assistant GMs Romero and Raquel Ferreira, medical director Larry Ronan, trainer Brad Pearson, senior VP of ballpark operations Pete Nesbit, the facilities operation team of Jon Lister, Donnie Gardiner, and Alex Spader, and senior VP of fan services Sarah McKenna — worked to balance health, safety, and team needs.

Some of the alterations that were introduced in 2020 — a batting cage and strength and conditioning facilities in the concourse down the right-field line, for instance — will remain in place, at least while Fenway’s capacity remains capped at 12 percent.

“That will need to be revisited down the road as more fans are welcomed back to Fenway, hopefully in the not-too-distant future,” said Gilula.

The main clubhouse will once again be the primary player hub, but with a reduced capacity. About one out of every three lockers will be used, with plexiglass dividers installed between players. With fewer players in the main clubhouse, the Sox will have auxiliary locker areas. The training room will be converted for player lockers, and the area typically used for media interviews (rendered unnecessary for now by the shift to Zoom) will be transformed into the training room.

“We can’t really increase the footprint of the clubhouse,” Ferreira said, “so we tried to do our best that we can with the space we had, just sort of reimagining different areas.”

The question of who goes where carries unexpected complexity. For instance, whereas are usually clustered on one side of the clubhouse and position players on another, the team didn’t want to put all of one player group together out of concern that a single COVID-19 infection could result in an entire segment of the team being lost. Likewise, the manager and the bench coach will be separated.

“ and are like the Vice President and President,” Ferreira said. “We keep them in separate locations.”

Just outside the main clubhouse, the Sox will turn their player parking area into a tented, open -air space that will serve as a dining and lounging area as well as a meeting space. There, they hope restore a greater sense of team unity.

“We felt [the design] checked all boxes for us in terms of functionality in this environment and adherence to the various health and safety guidelines,” said Gilula.

The current configuration of Fenway likely won’t be the final one for 2021. The ballpark is likely to be subject to ongoing revisions, assuming that capacity caps are boosted as vaccinations become more widespread.

Eventually, the Sox imagine, the batting cages and strength facilities will move out of the concourse and back into clubhouse space, at which point some of the auxiliary locker areas will be lost. But the Sox insist they’re ready, having seen evidence over the last year of the adaptability of their 109-year-old home.

“The intimacy, some of the tight quarters that are synonymous with Fenway, we’ve been able to reinvent some of these areas and make them functional for baseball,” said Gilula. “Equally important, we’re really pleased and humbled with the opportunity to open up Fenway to serve as a mass vaccination site over the last couple months, to open our doors in the middle of a pandemic to accommodate early voting.

“In the height of a pandemic, we’ve been able to sort of continuously reinvent Fenway and the space.”

A safe call at Fenway: Red Sox do some remodeling to welcome fans back

Stan Grossfeld

Finally, it’s time to return to the ballpark in person, albeit in smaller numbers, and Red Sox Nation can breathe a socially distant sigh of relief.

Since Feb. 1, New Englanders have loved to get vaccinated under the grandstand at Fenway Park. They scooped up a free “I got vaccinated at Fenway Park” souvenir button and then walked up a ramp to a tented area in left field to take a selfie.

Bob Jump of Lowell didn’t even blink when he got one of the last of the 56,214 shots that were administered last Saturday. That’s two thousand more shots than there are seats at the home of the Evil Empire at Yankee Stadium.

“It’s great to get it at Fenway Park,” says Jump. “I haven’t been here since I was a teenager during Yastrzemski games. I’d love to go to a game here. I’d take my granddaughter.”

Now he has that chance.

For the season opener scheduled for Thursday, state officials will allow Fenway Park to be at 12 percent of capacity, or about 4,500 people. Fans won’t have to have their temperature taken entering the ballpark, but they will have to fill out a health questionnaire on the MLB ballpark app that asks general questions about their health and any symptoms they may be having.

They will enter the park through “neighborhood zones” near their seats. Seating will be in socially distant pods of two or four seats. There is plexiglass and hand sanitizer at all the concession stands and throughout the park.

The ballpark is sparkling clean.

And groundskeeper Dave Mellor has done his magic; the field is perfectly manicured.

Things are slowly returning to normal. Gone are the green-tented auxiliary dugouts that housed players in lower box seats last year. Luxury suites will no longer house players. The right field concourse has been partitioned off to allow for a batting cage and strength and conditioning area.

There’s also something new to aim for. Players can take a shot at hitting the new Moderna ad on the Green Monster in left-center.

Fan interaction with players will be limited, though. According to MLB safety protocols, there will be no autographs signed or balls flipped into the stands.

For social distancing reasons, the Sox will now occupy two clubhouses. The original clubhouse has been remodeled so that each player will have three stalls, surrounded by sheets of plexiglass. The trainer’s room has been converted into more locker room space. The media room will be used for the trainer’s room.

Outside the ballpark between Van Ness St. and Gate D, the jigsaw puzzle that was the players’ parking lot is being converted into a tented, open-air players dining area and lounge for players. Family rooms have been converted to COVID testing rooms.

“Last year, we had free rein of the place with no fans,” says Red Sox chief operating officer Jonathan Gilula. “With fans coming back, we had to get even more creative.

“The ultimate goal here is to create an environment that’s healthy and safe for players, staff and of course, fans as they come back.”

Matt Barnes cleared to rejoin Red Sox along with players who had close contact

Peter Abraham

NORTH PORT, Fla. — The Red Sox were released from protocol prison on Monday when it was determined Matt Barnes has a non-infectious case of asymptomatic COVID-19.

Barnes and the players who were deemed to be in close contact with him were cleared to rejoin the team.

A major league source told the Globe that Barnes tested negatively multiple times after a test came back positive on Saturday. He also never exhibited any symptoms of the virus.

The Joint COVID-19 Health and Safety Committee, which consists of one MLB and one MLB Players Association representative as well as two physicians, cleared Barnes as a result.

The committee determined Barnes’s positive test result was consistent with an inactive or non -infectious result. MLB’s protocols initially treat any positive as an active infection requiring isolation of any team members in close contact.

After the additional testing, it was decided that neither Barnes nor any of his close contacts were a risk to others.

“I don’t know about the details. I’m just happy that he’s going to be back with us, and it seems like we’re going to be at full strength in a few days,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.

Outside of Barnes and righthander , the Red Sox had not specifically identified the players involved. But two other pitchers, and , had been absent since the news of the positive test broke on Saturday.

Barnes was competing with to be the team’s . Richards was lined up to pitch the second or third game of the regular season, while Andriese and Whitlock would have been in the bullpen.

After three days of being quarantined, it’s unclear if the four pitchers will be ready for the start of the season.

“It’s too soon to make decisions where they’re at,” Cora said. “I’m just happy that they’re going to be with us. That’s the most important thing.”

The Sox play Tuesday afternoon before flying back to Boston. There’s a day off Wednesday with on Thursday at Fenway Park against the .

A scheduled day off Friday gives the Sox more leeway if it’s determined Barnes and the others will need extra time.

“The good thing is we have options and we’re in a good place,” Cora said. “I think that Friday off day is going to benefit us.

“We’ll take advantage of that and make decisions on who can perform this weekend and go from there . . . we’ll meet as a group and make decisions.”

The Sox also have to determine what comes next for Eduardo Rodriguez, who missed his last start because of arm fatigue. Rodriguez threw in the bullpen again on Monday and is making progress.

“He looked good. The ball was coming in firm,” said Christian Vázquez, who caught Rodriguez. “He looked good, all the pitches.”

But Rodriguez hasn’t pitched in a game since March 22 and the Sox will be careful getting the lefthander ready after he missed all of last season recovering from myocarditis triggered by COVID-19.

“One thing for sure: We’re not going to rush him. He’s an important part of what we’re trying to accomplish,” Cora said.

“Obviously, with what he went through last year. His body, him, and obviously the testing that we do after bullpens and the next day will dictate what we do in the near future.

“But we’re comfortable this is something that’s obviously not going to take long. It’s just a matter of we have to be smart with it.”

Rodriguez could be backdated on the and activated to pitch in the second series.

Tanner Houck pitched 4⅓ scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves on Monday and struck out six. He could fill in for Rodriguez or Richards if needed.

“He’s in the conversation,” Cora said.

Houck’s strong performance against Atlanta’s starting lineup labels him as a trustworthy option if the Sox choose to give Richards and/or Rodriguez extra time.

“It brings a lot of confidence,” Houck said. “I’ve always had a lot of confidence in myself. I feel like my body’s in the best shape it ever has been.”

The Sox have Nate Eovaldi scheduled for Opening Day. They haven’t yet slotted in Martín Pérez or .

Christian Vázquez bruised but unbroken after taking errant throw to the face

Peter Abraham

NORTH PORT, Fla. — Christian Vázquez looked like a boxer on the wrong side of a knockout when he sat down for an interview Monday.

Even over Zoom, the large cut under his left eye looked ugly.

“You like my scar?” he said.

Vázquez wasn’t smiling last Thursday when he was hit in the face by a ball thrown by teammate during a defensive drill on a practice field at Fenway South.

“I was watching first,” Vázquez said. “I was talking about something at first base and Sawamura threw the ball and hit me. I saw the ball right in my face. It knocked me down.”

Vázquez’s sunglasses shattered, and the bottom part of the lens cut his face.

“Those sunglasses saved my eye,” Vázquez said. “If I don’t have the sunglasses, it’s a different story.”

Vázquez was stunned for a few moments.

“All hits in the face, you’re worried,” he said. “I was worried about my eye. When I got hit, I opened the eye. I was seeing, so that’s a good sign. That’s the only concern I had.”

Vázquez hasn’t played since then but hopes to get in Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves or take live batting practice.

He caught Eduardo Rodriguez in the bullpen Monday, hit in the batting cage, then traveled over to the Twins complex to get some at-bats, but only to track pitches.

“My eye’s good,” he said. “I can see perfect.”

Vázquez has been checked out by doctors, and his eyesight is fine. He’s scheduled for another examination in Boston Wednesday and expects to be in the lineup Thursday for Opening Day.

“It’s one of those we’re not 100 percent sure he’ll be there but there’s a pretty good chance he’ll play on Thursday,” manager Alex Cora said.

Doctors are planning to replace the stitches with some butterfly bandages before the game Thursday. But he’ll have a scar.

“But my wife likes it, so we’re good,” Vázquez said.

If Vázquez isn’t cleared until later in the week, or if the Sox decide to carry a third for a few games, Cora said they would call up somebody from the 40-man roster. That would be either Ronaldo Hernández or .

Jett Bandy and Chris Herrmann, who both have major league experience, are in camp on minor league contracts. But adding one of them to the major league roster would require creating an opening on the 40- man.

Cordero in the clear , who played five innings Monday, has done enough to make the Opening Day roster.

“The chances of him breaking with the team are very solid — very solid,” Cora said.

Cordero is 5 of 17 in six Grapefruit League games after striking out three times in Monday’s 4-0 victory against the Braves. He’ll likely pinch hit Tuesday so Cora can give some innings in left field.

It took a while J.D. Martinez went 52 at-bats in before hitting his first homer, a shot to left off Ian Anderson in the third inning. Martinez walked in his third plate appearance, this time facing Sean Newcomb. He tried to take third on a single down the right-field line by Marwin Gonzalez, but Ronald Acuña Jr. threw him out … The Braves bent the rules a bit during the game. Anderson was taken out with two outs in the top of the third. But he took his turn in the bottom of the inning to get an -bat and struck out. With no in the National League this season, Anderson wanted to get up … , who didn’t get into a game until March 12 because of a sore right shoulder, has 35 plate appearances with one game left.

Monday’s Red Sox spring training report: A shutout win and a three-homer inning

Peter Abraham

▪ Score: Red Sox 4, Braves 0.

▪ Record: 16-10-1.

▪ Breakdown: and three relievers combined on a four-hitter with nine as the Sox won their third in a row. Houck retired 13 of the 16 hitters he faced, striking out six with a good fastball/slider combination supplemented by occasional splitters, a pitch he has been working on. The Sox scored four runs in the third inning off Ian Anderson. Kiké Hernández homered with one out. J.D. Martinez homered with two outs. After Xander Bogaerts singled, Marwin Gonzalez homered down the right-field line.

▪ Next: The Sox host the Braves at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday in the final Grapefruit League game of the year. The game will be on NESN.

Red Sox spring training diary: Inching toward Opening Day ... and toward normal

Peter Abraham

While covering Red Sox spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., for the Globe, beat writer Peter Abraham will offer occasional dispatches on what life is like.

Monday, March 29 What it’s been like reporting on the Red Sox

FORT MYERS, Fla. — As spring training winds down, it’s starting to feel like a somewhat normal baseball season.

Even with the pandemic protocols in place, covering games with fans in the stands has been uplifting. Good plays get a loud cheer, kids are eating popcorn, and there are lines at the beer stand.

Watching games in empty ballparks last season felt like a chore that was best to get over with as quickly and safely as possible. But now we’re inching toward normal.

Autographs are still off-limits, as the players know it’s against the rules to get too close to fans. But several players have taken to flipping balls into the crowd more often than they used to.

J.D. Martinez did it Wednesday from the on-deck circle, and what looked to be a 12-year-old boy high- fived the people around him.

(You’re probably not supposed to high-five strangers, right? But it’s Florida.)

Reporting on the Sox has been a lot better than expected. I’ve so far had seven in-person interviews set up by Sox media relations chief Kevin Gregg and quite a few more informal encounters around the practice fields.

We also get at least three or four Zoom sessions a day. I’m never sure what the etiquette is when you’re done. Just sign off or wave goodbye? Zoom has been a savior more than a year now. But hop efully we’ll be done with it once everybody gets vaccinated.

There’s no chance the players miss having the media around. But I do get the idea that they understand it’s not good for the game if there is less coverage of it.

Chaim Bloom, Alex Cora, and the other executives and coaches have been cooperative, too.

I also set a personal record by hitting four 3-pointers in a row Thursday morning. The hotel where I’m staying has a basketball hoop outside, and it has been fun to shoot around every few days.

My first jumper a few weeks ago was a pathetic airball, but I’ve managed to improve my percentage from awful to occasionally acceptable.

I also have a pet duck.

It’s a little yellow rubber duck a parking lot attendant gave me at a Braves game a few weeks ago. It has something to do with Jeeps that started in Canada, and my rental here is a Cherokee.

The duck and I have covered 450 or so miles going to games. I have a Grand Cherokee back home, so the duck is coming back with me. I think she wants to see how the season plays out.

* The Boston Herald

Tanner Houck dominates tough Braves lineup, but Red Sox uncertain where he’ll s tart the year

Jason Mastrodonato

With his A-plus stuff working, Tanner Houck looked dominant once again on Monday afternoon.

Facing a top-tier Atlanta Braves lineup that he carved his way through for 10 strikeouts in his final big league start last fall, Houck once again had no trouble handling some of the best hitters in the National League.

In the first inning, Houck struck out Ronald Acuna Jr., Freddie Freeman and Marcel Ozuna.

He finished 4-⅓ shutout innings with six strikeouts as the Red Sox went on to a 4-0 win and became the first team all spring to hold the Braves scoreless.

“Got back to my roots today, focused on throwing a good two-seam and a slider off that,” he said. “Threw some really good splits throughout the whole outing. That’s obviously the pitch I’ve been working on the most, just trying to bring it up to elite caliber. For me, a lot of progress and continuing to grow.”

Houck struggled throwing strikes earlier this spring, but was hitting 97 mph on the radar gun while continuing to throw a slider that looks almost -like, but from the right-hand slide. It’s a pitch that’s long made Houck a prospect, and one that helped him carve up big leaguers in three brilliant starts last season (17 innings, 21 strikeouts, 0.53 ERA).

“I know my sinker/slider combo is my bread and butter,” Houck said. “That’s my go-to. I’ve done that for years and had a lot of success that way and continue to stay that way. I’ve been talking with (pitching coach ), been talking to everyone just going out there to continue to adapt and evolve. It’s been nice having a lot of amazing people around me to lead me in that direction.”

Despite Houck’s powerful stuff, the Red Sox appear committed to using Martin Perez (MLB-worst 5.30 ERA over the last three seasons) and Nick Pivetta (career 5.40 ERA) in their rotation to start the year.

Houck has already been optioned to Triple-A Worcester to begin his season at the alternate site.

Even with Eduardo Rodriguez missing his Opening Day start due to a case of dead arm, it remains uncertain if Houck will be needed at the big league level early on.

“Obviously he’s an option,” manager Alex Cora said. “We know what’s going on and as far as like Eduardo, where we’re gonna go with him and all that stuff, so there’s a chance he can be part of this.”

Matt Barnes, eight other Red Sox cleared to return despite positive COVID-19 test

Jason Mastrodonato

So much for the COVID-19 outbreak at Red Sox camp.

Two days after it was revealed that reliever Matt Barnes tested positive and eight others who were in close contact were being separated from the rest of the team, the Red Sox announced that Barnes and the others could return to camp.

“Matt and the contacts are cleared,” chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom texted the Herald on Monday.

Bloom offered no further details and deferred to manager Alex Cora, who didn’t have much to share about it after the Sox’ 4-0 win over the Braves.

“I just heard about it,” Cora said. “I haven’t talked to (anyone in the front office), but I know he got cleared by the (MLB joint committee), so I don’t know about the details. I’m just happy that he’s going to be back with us and it seems like we’re going to be at full strength in a few days.”

The New York Post reported that Barnes’ test result was a “non-infectious positive,” though it remains unclear what that means. The Globe reported that Barnes had tested negative multiple times after the original positive.

Cora said earlier Monday morning that Barnes wasn’t feeling any symptoms, feels great and was surprised by the positive test.

“He had the interview and he explained to everybody what he’s done and where he’s been,” Cora said. “He’s been very solid about keeping the protocols and the guidelines.”

Barnes wasn’t scheduled to fly with the team back to Boston on Tuesday, but plans could change. It remains unclear if Barnes will be ready to pitch on Opening Day on Thursday.

“I think it’s too soon to make decisions,” Cora said. “I’m just happy that they’re gonna be with us, that’s the most important thing.”

Garrett Richards had been one of the eight in close contact and it’s unclear if he’ll be able to make his first start.

“He stayed at home,” Cora said. “Probably he was throwing against the wall, I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him about any specifics but I’m about to find out.”

How Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez nearly lost his eye in freak spring training accident

Jason Mastrodonato

With a scar under his eye stretching from the edge of his nose to the side of his face, Christian Vazquez is feeling lucky.

“Those sunglasses saved my eye,” the Red Sox catcher said on Monday. “If I don’t have the sunglasses, it was a different story.”

Vazquez was on Field 3 behind JetBlue Park last week as some players participated in PFPs (pitchers fielding practice). He took his mask off and looked towards first base, but Hirokazu Sawamura must’ve thought Vazquez was paying attention because he fired a pitch to home plate anyways. The pitch hit Vazquez in the sunglasses over his left eye.

“I saw the ball right here in my face and it knocked me down to the floor,” Vazquez said.

The sunglasses dug into his face and sliced open his skin underneath his eye.

“All hits in the face, you’re worried,” he said. “I was worried about my eye. When I got hit I opened my eye and I was seeing, so that was a good sign. That’s the only concern I had when it happened. I’m not worried.”

After getting stitches across his face, Vazquez returned to work over the weekend. He’s already hitting in the cage and feels like he dodged a bullet. There have been horror stories throughout baseball history of players getting hit in the eye who lose eyesight or never fully recover.

The Red Sox have an infamous example in Tony Conigliaro, who was hit in the face by a pitch during the Impossible Dream season in 1967 and, while he returned to play again, was never quite the same.

“I caught a bullpen today and it’s not bothering me, so I’m 99% sure I can go on Thursday,” Vazquez.

He was in good spirits and laughing about his scar.

“My wife likes it, so we’re good,” he said.

The 30-year-old catcher is entering his seventh big league season and has started to look like a legitimate offensive threat in his last two seasons, combining to hit .278 with 30 home runs in 655 at-bats between 2019 and ‘20.

The primary backstop for the championship team in ‘18, Vazquez said he has a good feeling about this year’s group.

“I felt in the clubhouse that we were talking about the right things together, like in 2018,” he said. “I’m not saying we have the same team but we’re talking the same language together, like, talking baseball and how we can attack everybody.

“We’re like a family together. We know each other. I like the things I’m hearing. It’s way different than last year and ‘19, too. We’re in a good place.”

* The Providence Journal

Matt Barnes cleared for Red Sox return after non-infectious COVID-19 positive

Bill Koch

Matt Barnes will be with the Red Sox on Opening Day after all.

Boston confirmed on Monday afternoon that Barnes received a non-infectious positive test result for COVID-19. The potential Red Sox closer has been in quarantine at his Florida home since Saturday morning, and eight members of the organization have been subject to contact tracing.

Boston manager Alex Cora broke the news of the Barnes positive early Saturday, but the right -hander has been asymptomatic throughout the following 72 hours. No other member of the Red Sox organization tested positive in the subsequent three days.

“I’m just happy he’s going to be back with us,” Cora said following Monday’s 4-0 shutout of Atlanta. “It seems like we’re going to be at full strength in a few days.”

Barnes last worked Thursday against the Twins and pitched in a simulated game the following afternoon. Friday was the last time he was allowed to enter the JetBlue Park facility, as Cora received early word on Saturday about the positive test. GPS devices worn by all Boston personnel quickly determined eight members of the organization had been in close contact with Barnes.

“Hopefully, it’s the last time we have to go through this, but spring training is to prepare you for whatever happens during the season,” Cora said. “We’re prepared, but hopefully we won’t have to deal with it anymore.”

Four members of the Red Sox organization were deemed close contacts with Barnes, which would have subjected them to upwards of seven days in quarantine. Four others were deemed extra scrutiny contacts, which would require isolating and individual workouts. Boston was following protocols agreed upon by and the MLB Players Association — their joint medical committee ultimately cleared Barnes for his return.

“We did a good job the last two days staying calm,” Cora said. “Now that we know what’s going on and where we’re at we’ll plan for the weekend. The good thing is we’ve got options and we’re in a good place.”

Red Sox players and personnel were subject to rapid tests and PCR tests prior to boarding the bus for their Saturday game against the Pirates in Bradenton. Boston leaned on the guidance of Dr. Laurence Ronan, the club’s medical director, and protocols that have been in place since Summer Camp in July. Barnes and those in contact tracing would have been forced to travel separately from Florida to their regular-season homes in the Boston area after Tuesday’s spring finale.

“The guys did a good job staying the course and doing their work,” Cora said. “There were no distractions, and then we got good news.

“It’s a testament to the organization just being patient. Larry [Ronan] did an amazing job educating players and talking to everybody.”

Barnes and fellow right-hander Adam Ottavino were perceived to be vying for the ninth-inning role in the Red Sox bullpen. Matt Andriese was scratched from his Saturday start against Pittsburgh after he was found to be in close contact with Barnes. Garrett Richards and Garrett Whitlock have also been conspicuous by their absence over the last week — Richards worked most recently last Tuesday while Whitlock hasn’t appeared in a Grapefruit League game since March 19.

“I think that Friday off day is going to benefit us,” Cora said. “The other off day (April 9) is going to benefit us. We’ll just take advantage of that and make decisions based on who can perform this weekend and go from there.”

Tanner Houck allowed just two singles and a lone walk in his 4 1/3 innings on Monday. Martin Perez is scheduled to start on Tuesday and remains in line to take the ball on Opening Day against the Orioles. Cora has declined to name a starter beyond Thursday — some combination of Richards, Houck and Andriese could all be considered for Saturday's second game of the season.

“We’ve still got time,” Cora said. “I think it will be good for everybody to know where we’re at tomorrow morning. I think we’re going to meet as a group and make decisions.”

Boston Red Sox notebook: Tanner Houck shines in start vs. Braves, Alex Cora not ready to name closer; Kevin McCarthy, Chris Herrmann don’t opt out

Chris Cotillo

In what might have been a final audition for a spot start at the beginning of the season, Red Sox right- hander Tanner Houck dominated the Braves over 4 ⅓ innings Monday afternoon.

Houck, who last pitched in a major-league spring game March 16 and was optioned to minor-league camp a day later, didn’t allow a run Monday, striking out six batters and allowing only two hits in a 4-0 Red Sox win. Houck looked sharper than he had at any point this spring, which represented an uneven few weeks for the rookie.

“It felt good,” Houck said. “Just continued to work the last few weeks leading up to the start. Just been putting a lot in there, in the training room and in the weight room staying as ready as I can. Just got back to my roots today. Focused on throwing a good two-seam and a slider off that. Threw some really good splits throughout the whole outing. That’s obviously the pitch I’ve been working on the most, just trying to bring that up to an elite caliber. For me, a lot of progress.”

Houck struggled with command in two of his three previous outings, walking five batters in ⅔ of an inning March 4 and four batters in three innings 12 days later. In the last two weeks, he has pitched in “B” games and simulated games on back fields to ready himself to go to the alternate training site in Worcester when camp breaks.

Things changed a bit for Houck over the weekend, when the Red Sox scratched Eduardo Rodriguez (arm fatigue) from his scheduled start on Opening Day and quarantined a handful of pitchers (including starter Garrett Richards and swingman Matt Andriese) due to Matt Barnes ’ positive COVID-19 test. Houck was likely called up to get in line for a spot start Saturday against the Orioles, though it’s unclear if Richards and the other starters being cleared might change Boston’s plans.

Houck still might get a chance to start if the start of Rodriguez’s season is delayed.

“There’s a chance he could be part of this,” manager Alex Cora said.

Cora was pleased with how Houck ended the spring.

“That was real good,” Cora said. “He was in his delivery, the stuff was playing. The ball was moving all over the place but he threw strikes, which is the most important thing. He got his work in and that was a positive outing for him.”

Red Sox use derby to beat Braves

The Red Sox have bludgeoned their opponents with home runs all spring, and Monday was no different. Three players -- Kiké Hernández, J.D. Martinez and Marwin Gonzalez -- each homered off Braves righty Ian Anderson in the third inning of the win.

As of Monday night, the Red Sox lead the Grapefruit League and are tied for second in the majors with 44 spring home runs. Nineteen players have homered in exhibition play, with Martinez joining the group with his first shot Monday.

Closer decision might have to wait

With less than 24 hours to go before the end of spring training, Cora still hasn’t made the most important decision he’s faced with this spring. Barnes’ ordeal delayed Cora’s announcement of who his closer will be.

The competition, as it has been all spring, is between Barnes and Adam Ottavino. If Barnes missed the first few days of the season, Ottavino was going to close games, but things are less clear now.

“It’s just too soon right now,” Cora said. “He wasn’t with us for a while. It’s not fair for anybody. It’s not that I don’t have an idea or whatever but we have to see where we’re at. The other thing that’s also important as far as structure, not having (Ryan) Brasier is we have to see how we match up with people and all that. To make decisions like that, I’ll be patient with it. I said we were going to make a decision before we hopped on that plane. Now, with this situation, we’ll probably have to wait and see where we’re at.”

Cordero still on track for opener

Outfielder Franchy Cordero (COVID-19 injured list) remains on track to be ready for Opening Day, Cora said. Cordero played a full seven innings Monday and will pinch-hit late in Tuesday’s spring finale.

“He feels good,” Cora said. “He feels really good. He’s moving around well... The chances of him breaking with the team are very solid.”

McCarthy, Herrmann remain with team

The Red Sox got some good news on the depth front Monday, as reliever Kevin McCarthy and catcher Chris Herrmann will be remaining with the team instead of exercising upward mobility clauses in their minor-league contracts, multiple sources said.

Beginning Sunday, both McCarthy and Herrmann could have left the Red Sox if another club was willing to add them to its 40-man roster. That didn’t happen, so both veterans will provide depth at the alternate site in Worcester.

McCarthy, who threw seven scoreless innings this spring, was a finalist for a bullpen spot but was sent to minor-league camp last week. Herrmann, who has hit .286 in six spring games, will join Connor Wong, Ronaldo Hernández and Jett Bandy as the team’s top catching depth options.

Other notes:

* Catcher Christian Vázquez caught Rodriguez in a bullpen session Monday morning at Fenway South and came away impressed.

“He looked good,” Vázquez said. “The ball was coming firm, like good. He looked good and all the pitches were good.”

* The Red Sox will end their Grapefruit League schedule Tuesday afternoon when they host the Braves at jetBlue Park. Pérez will start opposite Atlanta lefty Drew Smyly.

Matt Barnes, Boston Red Sox players in contact tracing cleared to rejoin team; Barnes’ COVID-19 test may have been false positive

Chris Cotillo

The Red Sox have avoided a COVID-19 crisis -- at least for now.

Reliever Matt Barnes -- who tested positive for the virus over the weekend -- and the eight people who were away from the team due to contact tracing have been cleared to rejoin the Red Sox, multiple sources said Monday afternoon.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed the news but didn’t provide details as to how Barnes was cleared to resume baseball activities just three days after testing positive for the virus. It appears his test result was either a false positive or what’s called a “non-infectious positive, with The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier reporting that Barnes has tested negative on multiple occasions since Saturday, satisfying the MLB- MLBPA Joint COVID-19 Health and Safety Committee.

“He got cleared by the committee,” Cora said. “I don’t know about the details. I’m just happy he’s going to be back with us and we’re going to be at full strength in a few days.”

Barnes’ received his positive result Friday, with the Red Sox announcing the news Saturday morning. At that point, eight players and coaches -- including pitchers Matt Andriese, Kevin McCarthy, Garrett Richards and Garrett Whitlock -- were identified as close contacts and became subject to contact tracing protocols. The Red Sox have had no other positive test results and Barnes has remained asymptomatic the entire time.

The timing of Barnes’ positive test and the subsequent contact tracing, which came just a few days before the start of the season, seemed to throw Boston’s Opening Day roster into flux. Now, barring any unforeseen setbacks, it appears Boston will be at full strength when it takes on the Orioles on Thursday afternoon.

“Having the whole crew together is beneficial, obviously,” Cora said. “It was very fast the first day (Saturday), in the early part. It seems like it slowed down right away when we got on that bus to go to Bradenton. The guys did a good job staying the course and doing their work. There were no distractions and then we got good news.”

Cora plans to call Barnes on Monday evening and see if the reliever thinks he will be ready for Opening Day. Barnes and righty Adam Ottavino have spent the spring vying for the club’s open closer role but Cora said he has not yet made a decision on who will pitch in the ninth inning. The hope is that Barnes, Richards, Andriese, Whitlock and any other affected players will be ready to go by Thursday.

“It’s too soon to make a decision, it’s too soon to know where they’re at,” Cora said. “I’m just happy they’re going to be with us. That’s the most important thing.”

MassLive first reported earlier Monday that the Red Sox were exploring whether or not Barnes’ test was a false positive. Joel Sherman of the New York Post first reported that the players had been cleared.

Boston Red Sox trying to determine if Matt Barnes had false positive COVID-19 test; reliever remains asymptomatic and away from team

Chris Cotillo

The Red Sox are working to find out if reliever Matt Barnes’ positive COVID-19 test was a false positive, multiple industry sources said. If that’s the case, Barnes and the eight people currently in contact tracing would be cleared to rejoin the team earlier than anticipated. (UPDATE: Barnes and the eight others in contact tracing have in fact been cleared, manager Alex Cora confirmed after Monday’s game.)

Red Sox officials did not respond to requests for comment when asked about the possibility of a false positive. Barnes received a positive result Friday for a test he took Thursday afternoon and the Red Sox announced it Saturday morning.

Barnes remains asymptomatic and was surprised that he had a test come back positive, manager Alex Cora said before Monday’s game against the Braves.

“He feels great,” Cora said. “He’s surprised, to say the least. Understandable. He had the interview and he explained to everybody what he has done and where he has been. He has been very solid about keeping the protocols and the guidelines.”

Eight players and coaches -- including at least four other pitchers (Matt Andriese, Kevin McCarthy, Garrett Richards and Garrett Whitlock) -- were in contact tracing protocols as of Sunday. There are indications that those people could rejoin the Red Sox sooner rather than later. The Red Sox have had no other positive COVID-19 tests since Barnes’ result surfaced.

Boston Red Sox’s Christian Vázquez has big cut, stitches below left eye after getting struck with baseball; ‘You like my scar?’

Christopher Smith

“You like my scar?”

That was how Christian Vázquez started off his media session Monday after being struck in the eye with a ball during a practice Thursday.

“I’m doing good,” Vázquez said. “My eye is good. I can see perfect.”

Vázquez has another eye appointment Wednesday. He’s scheduled to have his stitches removed Thursday and replaced with butterfly stitches. Opening Day is Thursday vs. the Orioles at Fenway Park.

“My wife like it (the cut), so we’re good,” he joked.

It happened during a pitchers fielding practice drill on one of the backfields at the JetBlue Park complex. Vázquez was looking toward first base. Hirokazu Sawamura thought Vázquez was looking at him and threw the ball home.

Vázquez was wearing sunglasses.

“The sunglasses saved my eye,” he said. “If I don’t have the sun glasses, it was a different story.”

Vázquez thinks he will be ready for Opening Day.

“Yeah, I hit today in the cage,” he said. “I went to the B-game today to track some pitches.”

He also caught Eduardo Rodriguez’s bullpen Monday without the eye bothering him.

“I’m 99% (sure) I can go Thursday,” Vázquez said. Manager Alex Cora added, “We feel comfortable but at the same time, he actually has to do some tests on Wednesday with the eye doctor. So it’s one of those where we’re not 100% sure he’ll be there but there’s a pretty good chance he’ll play on Thursday.”

If Vázquez isn’t available for the regular season opener Thursday, either Connor Wong or Ronaldo Hernández would begin the season on the 26-man roster as ’s backup. Wong and Hernández both are on the 40-man roster.

“Whatever decision we make is based on the timeframe,” Cora said. “If he can’t go, it’s something that it’s just a few days. So roster-wise, you have to be smart about it. We’ve had discussions already about this. We’ve got our 40-man roster right now and if it’s something short-term, then we’re not going to take people out of the (40-man) roster for three or four days. Obviously we’ve got some capable guys on our 40- man roster that can help us out. So probably that’s where we’ll go if we have to miss him just for a few days.”

Boston Red Sox Opening Day roster: Either prospect Connor Wong or Ronaldo Hernández to make team if Christian Vázquez is not ready

Christopher Smith

Christian Vázquez will not play in the Red Sox’s B-game Monday. He instead will catch Eduardo Rodriguez’s bullpen and hit off the Tee.

Vázquez got struck in the face by an errant throw during a practice Thursday. The team called the injury an “eye contusion and laceration under his left eye.” He has stitches and they are scheduled to be removed Opening Day.

If Vázquez isn’t available for the regular season opener Thursday, either Connor Wong or Ronaldo Hernández would begin the season on the 26-man roster as Kevin Plawecki’s backup. Wong and Hernández both are on the 40-man roster.

The Red Sox would not add one of their minor league (Chris Herrmann and Jett Bandy) who is not on the 40-man roster.

“Whatever decision we make is based on the timeframe,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “If he can’t go, it’s something that it’s just a few days. So roster-wise, you have to be smart about it. We’ve had discussions already about this. We’ve got our 40-man roster right now and if it’s something short-term, then we’re not going to take people out of the (40-man) roster for three or four days. Obviously we’ve got some capable guys on our 40-man roster that can help us out. So probably that’s where we’ll go if we have to miss him just for a few days.”

Wong, a 24-year-old who Boston acquired in the trade, has impressed both offensively and defensively. Cora has raved about the way Wong slows down the game behind the plate. Wong has homered, doubled and walked five times in 14 plate appearances (.500 OBP).

The Red Sox acquired Hernandez, a 23-year-old, from the Rays in February for Jeffrey Springs and Chris Mazza. He has power potential and a strong arm. But he still needs to work on his receiving.

How will the Red Sox determine if Vázquez is ready for Thursday?

“Comfort with the mask, the stitches. The plan is to take them off actually on Opening Day,” Cora said. “We feel comfortable but at the same time, he actually has to do some tests on Wednesday with the eye doctor. So it’s one of those where we’re not 100% sure he’ll be there but there’s a pretty good chance he’ll play on Thursday.”

The Red Sox might go with 13 pitchers and 13 position players to start the season instead of 14 pitchers and 12 position players as initially planned because of Matt Barnes (positive COVID) and others quarantining.

If Vázquez isn’t ready, Boston could begin with three catchers on the Opening Day roster because it’s unlikely Vázquez will be placed on the IL.

Boston Red Sox Opening Day roster: Will Matt Barnes, Garrett Richards be ready after quarantining? Can Eduardo Rodriguez avoid the IL?

Chris Cotillo

As of a week ago, the Red Sox didn’t seem to have many tough decisions to make when it came to their Opening Day roster. Yes, Alex Cora would need to make one or two decisions at the back o f the bullpen and then maybe make a tough call on the final bench spot. But in general, almost all of the 26-man group was set.

Then, all hell broke loose. Eduardo Rodriguez was scratched from his scheduled Opening Day start after battling “dead arm.” Catcher Christian Vázquez was hit in the face with a ball during a practice drill and now has stitches that will be removed before Thursday’s game. And most notably, Matt Barnes’ positive COVID-19 test forced at least four pitchers who were projected to make the major-league roster into quarantine for a three-day period, only to have Major League Baseball clear them all Monday afternoon after Barnes’ test was ruled to be some sort of false positive.

Now, with two days to go before the Sox host the Orioles at Fenway Park, things are a bit more certain but there are still questions to be answered before the final group is submitted. Here’s what Cora and his coaching staff must figure out before first pitch Thursday afternoon.

Will Barnes and the others be ready after quarantining?

Four major-league pitchers -- Barnes, starter Garrett Richards and relievers Matt Andriese and Garrett Whitlock -- were held out of team activities for three straight days after Barnes’ positive test. Richards, Andriese and Whitlock were found to be close contacts and had to quarantine until being cleared Monday afternoon.

It’s unclear if the 72-hour hiatus will mean those pitchers won’t be ready for Opening Day, though early indications are that they likely will be. Cora made multiple mentions to the club being at “full strength” after the news broke Monday afternoon and it’s believed all four pitchers continued throwing, even while away from team activities. Richards, who was originally slated to start over the weekend against Baltimore, might be the most affected of the group and could be pushed back until early next week against the Rays.

The Red Sox have options here. They can easily place any or all of the affected pitchers on the COVID-19 injured list and activate them whenever they choose. That would create short-term opportunities for pitchers like Tanner Houck, Colten Brewer, Phillips Valdez and Marcus Walden while allowing the Red Sox some early-season flexibility. Players on the COVID-19 IL don’t count against the 40-man roster.

The guess here is that all four pitchers will be active, but the flexibility created by placing, say, Richards on the COVID-19 IL might be attractive, especially if he’s a few days behind.

What’s the status of Eduardo Rodriguez? Does that affect the rotation for the weekend?

Rodriguez threw his second bullpen in three days Monday morning and might avoid the injured list. If the Red Sox do place him on the IL, the earliest they could activate him would be April 8 -- the first road game of the season in Baltimore.

It’s clear the Red Sox aren’t going to push Rodriguez to pitch over the weekend, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s headed to the IL. Again, temporarily placing him on the IL would give the club more flexibility, especially considering how Tanner Houck -- who started Monday -- seemed to be in line to make a spot start Saturday afternoon. If that happens, Boston could easily have Houck make his season debut in the majors then option him to Worcester to make room for Rodriguez after a week.

This one, especially, is hard to predict. Cora has repeatedly pledged to be careful with Rodriguez, but an IL placement might be a little much.

Will Christian Vázquez be good to go?

Vázquez will undergo some more testing over the next couple days, but he said Monday that he feels there’s a “99% chance” he’ll be in the lineup Thursday. If he can’t play for whatever reason, Kevin Plawecki will become the starting catcher and the Red Sox will promote a catching prospect -- either Ronaldo Hernández or Connor Wong -- who is on the 40-man roster.

Barring a major surprise, Vázquez will be ready to go. This one should be an easy decision.

Franchy Cordero and are locks, so is the odd man out? Will the Sox go with 13 pitchers or 14?

Outfielder Franchy Cordero, who is still on the COVID-19 injured list, will break camp with the team after progressing quickly after a late arrival to camp. Infielder Christian Arroyo is out of options, so he’ll make the team as a bench option. If the Red Sox go with 14 pitchers and 12 position players, as they’ve planned all spring, that likely means Michael Chavis will be optioned to start the year. He’ll likely be the first player called up if a position player is injured.

There’s still an outside chance Cora will opt for 13 pitchers and 13 position players, especially if one of the pitchers who quarantined isn’t ready. That would further open the door for Chavis to make the team.

“There’s a chance we can go 13 and 13, but it’s because of the situation the last three days,” Cora said Monday morning, before Barnes and the others were cleared. “For us, it makes sense going 12 and 14 but I think we can adjust for a few days, if needed. Especially with the off day on Friday. Obviously, Christian (Vázquez)’s situation is another one. We have to take a look at it. We’re in conversations right now. There’s a good chance, if we see that we need one more extra player, we’ll go 13 and 13. That’s going to be just for a few days if that’s the case.”

Who claims the final bullpen spot?

If Barnes, Andriese and Whitlock are good to go, the Red Sox have only one decision to make in the bullpen. Barnes, Andriese, Whitlock, Darwinzon Hernandez, Adam Ottavino, Hirokazu Sawamura, are locks, and Austin Brice seems like he has earned a spot. That would mean it’s a two-horse race for the final spot between Colten Brewer and Phillips Valdez.

Neither Brewer (9.95 ERA in 6 ⅓ innings) nor Valdez (9.35 ERA in 8 ⅔ innings) has had a good spring, but both have prior major-league success. Brewer, who spent most of 2019 in the majors pitching for Cora, might have the upper hand due to his familiarity with the manager and his ability to pitch multiple innings. Valdez, who was acquired before the 2020 season, was one of Bos ton’s best and most consistent relievers for all of last year.

This one could go either way, but the guess here is Brewer wins out because he can give the Sox some length. Whoever loses the competition will simply be optioned and start the year in Worcester. There’s also the possibility that the Red Sox sign a free-agent reliever in the coming days. They’ve had talks with Héctor Rondón, Jesse Biddle and likely others.

Which other moves need to be made?

Even if everyone on the bubble is deemed ready, Boston will still need to make some roster moves before Thursday. Reliever (right pinkie fracture) will need to go on the 60-day injured list while Cordero needs to be activated. If none of the pitchers go on the COVID-19 IL, the Sox will need to clear a 40-man spot for Cordero by designating somebody for assignment (righty John Schreiber and outfielder Marcus Wilson are two candidates). Assuming 14 pitchers make it, Chavis will need to be optioned to Worcester.

If Rodriguez goes on the IL, Houck would likely be called up in his place. The loser of the Valdez/Brewer battle would make it if one of the relievers is ruled out, with Walden and McCarthy among the other options if multiple pitchers can’t go.

In the best-case scenario, the only players who would need to be sent out are Chavis and either Brewer or Valdez. If more guys are unavailable, Boston’s depth will be tested early in the season.

OPENING DAY ROSTER PROJECTION:

STARTERS (5): RHP Nathan Eovaldi, LHP Martín Pérez, RHP Nick Pivetta, RHP Garrett Richards, LHP Eduardo Rodriguez

RELIEVERS (9): RHP Matt Andriese, RHP Matt Barnes, RHP Austin Brice, RHP Colten Brewer, LHP Darwinzon Hernandez, RHP Adam Ottavino, RHP Hirokazu Sawamura, LHP Josh Taylor, RHP Garrett Whitlock

CATCHERS (2): C Kevin Plawecki, C Christian Vázquez

INFIELDERS (4): INF Christian Arroyo, SS Xander Bogaerts, 1B , 3B

UTILITY PLAYERS (2): UTIL Kiké Herńandez, UTIL Marwin Gonzalez

OUTFIELDERS (4): OF Franchy Cordero, OF/DH J.D. Martinez, OF , OF Alex Verdugo

INJURED LIST (2): RHP Ryan Brasier, LHP Chris Sale

Boston Red Sox ‘not going to rush’ Eduardo Rodriguez into game action: ‘We’re going to be smart with him,’ Alex Cora says

Chris Cotillo

The Red Sox don’t believe Eduardo Rodriguez is dealing with a serious injury, but the team is still going to be careful with the left-hander as he works his way back from the case of “dead arm” that caused him to be scratched from his scheduled Opening Day start.

Rodriguez, who came out of a 36-pitch bullpen session feeling strong on Saturday, threw another bullpen Monday at Fenway South with Christian Vázquez catching. Though Rodriguez seems to be progressing back to full strength, it seems unlikely that the Red Sox will push him to pitch during their opening series against the Orioles.

“We’re running out of time,” manager Alex Cora said Monday morning. “He’s not going to be able to face hitters in a game situation. We’re going to be smart with him. Let’s see how he feels after this one. Obviously, we’ll make decisions accordingly.

“One thing for sure, we’re not going to rush him,” Cora continued. “He’s an important part of what we’re trying to accomplish and for what he went through last year, his body, him and the testing that we do after bullpens and the next day will dictate what we do in the near future. We’re comfortable that this is something that’s not going to take long. We’ve just got to be smart with it.”

The Red Sox, who are missing some of their pitchers due to contact tracing as a result of Matt Barnes’ positive COVID-19 test, have named Nathan Eovaldi as their Opening Day starter for Thursday’s game but have not lined up their rotation past that point. Righty Tanner Houck, who is starting Monday’s penultimate exhibition game, is a candidate to make a start early on, while Martín Pérez and Nick Pivetta will also open the season in the rotation. Matt Andriese is away from the team due to contact tracing and Garrett Richards also might have the start of his season delayed, though the team hasn’t made any announcements on Richards other than to say he won’t pitch again before the start of the season.

If Rodriguez completes Monday’s bullpen session without any issues, he could very well avoid opening the season on the injured list. Even if that’s the case, however, it’s likely that the Red Sox will hold him back for a few days before he makes his season debut.

“It’s more of a day-by-day thing,” chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said Sunday. “He had a great day yesterday, which is good. That’s awesome. We continue to feel really good about this just being a short - term hiccup, making sure we take care of him. But in terms of specifics on when we’ll get him back out there, we don’t have those yet.”

Boston Red Sox have had talks with Héctor Rondón; veteran reliever opted out of Phillies deal last week

Chris Cotillo

The Red Sox have engaged in talks with free-agent reliever Héctor Rondón in recent days, multiple sources told MassLive on Monday. Rondón hit the open market after requesting his release from the Phillies on Thursday.

Rondón, 33, signed a minor-league deal with Philadelphia in early February and had a rough spring training, allowing seven earned runs in seven innings (7.71 ERA) while striking out eight batters. The eight-year major-league veteran also struggled in 2020, posting a 7.65 ERA in 20 innings with Arizona, but had previously posted a career 3.29 ERA in 421 games with the Cubs and Astros.

The Red Sox, who received good news earlier Monday when reliever Matt Barnes and eight others (including relievers Matt Andriese and Garrett Whitlock) in contact tracing were cleared to rejoin the team, were known to be considering adding outside relief help even before Barnes’ positive COVID-19 temporarily threw the bullpen mix into flux over the weekend. Assuming Barnes, Andriese and Whitlock are good to go for Opening Day, they’ll join Austin Brice, Darwinzon Hernandez, Adam Ottavino, Hirokazu Sawamura, Josh Taylor and either Colten Brewer or Phillips Valdez in the bullpen to start the season. With Ryan Brasier (right pinkie fracture) slated to begin the year on the injured list, the Red Sox plan to choose from either Brewer or Valdez for the final spot if they don’t make an external addition.

Rondón isn’t the only veteran reliever who is available after opting out of a contract elsewhere. According to a source, the Red Sox have also inquired about left-hander Jesse Biddle, a former Phillies prospect who was recently released by the Reds. Boston also had interest in Massachusetts native Steve Cishek on a minor-league deal but it appears he will be signing a big-league deal elsewhere in the near future. Tommy Hunter, Tony Watson, Carl Edwards Jr., Jesse Chavez, Francisco Liriano and Mike Montgomery are among the other relievers to recently hit the open market.

In the wake of Barnes’ positive test, Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said a free-agent addition was possible. It’s unclear if Monday’s news changes things.

“It’s interesting because this is the time of year where there’s often a lot of movement as teams are setting rosters,” Bloom said Sunday. “Players might become available that haven’t been throughout the spring. So generally speaking, it’s a time of year when you’re looking around. This adds a little bit of a twist to that. At the same time, we’ve need to make sure that we’ve got our arms around the developing situation here and to the extent that this is just a short-term bump in the road. We also need to be mindful of that.”

* The Portland Press Herald

Roster depth becomes more important than ever

Tom Caron

The Boston Red Sox will face plenty of tough opponents this season. The American League East alone features the loaded Yankees, the defending AL champs in Tampa, and a reloaded Blue Jays squad. But we were reminded Saturday that the biggest challenge facing the Red Sox this season is the same one we’ve all been facing for more than a year.

When Matt Barnes tested positive for COVID-19, the Red Sox had to spring into damage control just five days before Opening Day. Contact tracing ensued, with eight members of the organization moved into isolation while the rest of the baseball staff crossed its fingers and hoped for the best.

The Red Sox, as it turned out, survived a scare. On Monday, Barnes’ positive diagnosis was classified as non-infectious. Barnes and the other team members in quarantine were allow to return to normal activities.

“I’m just happy that he’s going to be back with us and it seems like we’re going to be at full strength in a few days,” Manager Alex Cora said.

The Red Sox may have dodged a difficult situation in this episode, but coronavirus can and does continue to cause havoc for any team. Look at the Boston Bruins. Early last week, they were waiting to get back on the ice after having several players land on the COVID-19 list. By week’s end they were playing, but not at full strength, as some players were taken off the list and others added to it.

In every sport, roster depth is more important than ever.

“It’s just another feature of the season we all have to contend with,” Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom said Sunday. “This is why we have focused so much on doing the right thing and trying to adhere to the protocols.”

This year’s protocols are significantly stricter than the ones that were cobbled together in 2020. By all accounts, players were buying into the rules. Yet even the most careful people can contract the virus. When a member of a group tests positive, all we can do is hope the spread is limited.

Positive COVID-19 tests aren’t the only concern for baseball teams trying to keep their rosters healthy and intact.

On Friday, the Red Sox announce that Eduardo Rodriguez would miss his Opening Day start for the second straight year. This had nothing to do with the virus, unless the “dead arm” Rodriguez is dealing with was a direct result of having missed all of last season because of complications from COVID-19.

A day earlier, Christian Vazquez was hit in the eye by a ball. The catcher will have stitches removed on Thursday and the team isn’t sure if he’d be able to start the season on time.

Meantime, the preseason rolled on as the Red Sox tried to play out the string before flying north Tuesday night. On Thursday, they are scheduled to play April baseball for the first time in two years, with fans at Fenway for the first time in 18 months.

“This is bigger than sports,” said Cora. “We’ve been living through this since March last year. We’re doing our best possible to put a show out there for the fans and get their minds away from the pandemic. That’s the way I see it.”

That’s all anyone can do. We do our best, and hope for the best. Knowing all the while that there are so many things beyond our control.

Speaking of which, Thursday’s forecast calls for rain in Boston. You didn’t think any of this was going to be easy, did you?

* RedSox.com

Vázquez '99 percent' sure of readiness

Ian Browne

Four days after being belted under his left eye by a thrown ball during a team drill, Red Sox catcher Christian Vázquez was left with a visual reminder of the scary incident.

“You like my scar?” Vázquez said during the opening of a Zoom call.

Bruised but unbowed, Vázquez expressed a “99 percent” vow to be in the lineup on Thursday, when the Red Sox open their 2021 season at Fenway Park against the Orioles.

The team’s medical staff will be working with Vázquez right up until then to get him ready.

“They’re going to take off the stitches before the game on Thurs day and put in butterfly stitches,” said Vázquez. “But my wife likes [the scar], so we’re good.”

Vázquez had a productive day on Monday, catching ace lefty Eduardo Rodriguez in a bullpen session and then tracking pitches at the plate in a “B” game against the Twins.

“I hit today in the cage. I went to the 'B' game today to track some pitchers. I didn’t swing today in a game. I hope tomorrow I can swing here,” Vázquez said. “I caught a bullpen today, and it’s not bothering me, so I’m 99 percent sure I can go on Thursday.”

What exactly happened?

“We were doing a [pitchers’ fielding practice drill] on Field 3. The was throwing the ball to home and I was watching first, I was talking about something at first base,” Vázquez said. “[Hirokazu] Sawamura threw the ball and hit me. I saw the ball right here in my face and it knocked me down to the floor.”

Everything is now a lot better than it seemed then for Boston’s starting catcher.

“I’m doing good. You can see [the scar], that’s the only thing. I’m not worrying about sweating,” Vázquez said. “I was worried about my eye. But my eye is good. I can see perfect. I’m going to have an appointment Wednesday with my eye doctor and get ready for Opening Day.”

E-Rod back on the bump For the second time in three days, Rodriguez threw a bullpen session. This level of activity was noteworthy, considering that manager Alex Cora announced on Friday that the lefty would not take the ball on Opening Day due to experiencing arm fatigue in his most recent Spring Training start.

“He looked good. The ball was coming firm, good. It looked good. All the pitches were good,” said Vázquez.

However, Cora is still going to be cautious with Rodriguez and it seems likely he will miss the first turn through the rotation. The conservative approach with Rodriguez is understandable when you consider he didn’t throw a pitch in 2020 due to myocarditis.

“One thing’s for sure, we're running out of time,” said Cora. “He's not going to be able to face hitters in a game situation [before camp ends]. We're going to be smart with him. Let's see how he feels after this one, and we'll make decisions accordingly. He's an important part of what we're trying to accomplish, and for what he went through last year, his body, the testing that we do after bullpens and the next day will dictate what we do in the near future. We're comfortable that this is something that's not going to take long, but we just have to be smart with it.”

Houck lights out Though Tanner Houck was optioned to the alternate site earlier in camp, he turned in a lights-out performance against the Braves, allowing two hits while striking out six over 4 1/3 innings.

Boston’s No. 7 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, could be in line for an early-season start, depending on how long Rodriguez is out for.

The Red Sox will need a fifth starter by April 7 against the Rays.

“I mean, obviously he's an option,” said Cora.” We know what's going on and as far as Eduardo, where we're gonna go with him and all that stuff, so there's a chance he can be part of this.”

Houck said he is up for the challenge if Cora calls on him. The righty was brilliant in three starts at the end of last season.

“Absolutely. I feel like my body is in the best shape I’ve ever been in,” said Houck. “I feel mentally, I’m stronger than I ever have been. Those are the two things that lead to a lot of success.”

Up next The Red Sox will send lefty Martín Pérez to the mound for their final game of Spring Training on Tuesday afternoon against the Braves. Cora will mix up his outfield alignment by starting Alex Verdugo in left field. Verdugo had played only center and right thus far in camp. Kiké Hernández will play center and Hunter Renfroe will get the nod in right. First pitch at JetBlue Park is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

Barnes' test a 'non-infectious positive'

Ian Browne

Just two days ago, things were in chaos for the Red Sox. Closing candidate Matt Barnes tested positive for Covid-19 and was ruled out for Opening Day. Eight members of the organization, including three pitchers, were in quarantine due to contact tracing, leaving their status for the start of the season in jeopardy.

Then came a satisfying Monday afternoon, when everything resolved itself.

It turns out that the PCR test that Barnes took on March 25 was deemed a non-infectious positive. The righty reliever was cleared to return to camp along with the eight others who had been identified as close contacts.

“Yeah, I just heard about it,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora after his team’s 4-0 victory over the Braves. “I haven’t talked to [the front office], but I know he got cleared by the committee so I don’t know about the details. I’m just happy that he’s going to be back with us, and it seems like we’re going to be at full strength in a few days.”

With the season set to start on Thursday at Fenway Park against the Orioles, things suddenly feel a lot calmer for the Red Sox after a rocky last couple of days.

Though he missed three days of camp quarantining, Barnes s hould be good to go for Opening Day, though it remains to be seen what role Cora will use him in.

Barnes and Adam Ottavino are in competition to be the team’s closer this season. The situation might have been resolved by now if not for the events of the past couple of days, which left the Red Sox in survival mode.

“It's too soon right now,” said Cora. “[Barnes] wasn't with us for a while. It's not fair for anybody. It's not that I don't have an idea or whatever, but we have to see where we're at. The other thing that's also important as far as structure [is] not having [Ryan] Brasier.

“We have to see how we match up with people and all of that to make decisions like that. I'll be patient with it. I said we were going to make a decision before we hop on that plane, but with this decision, we're probably [going to] have to wait and see where we're at.”

Starter Garrett Richards, swingman Matt Andriese and rookie long reliever Garrett Whitlock were three other players who were known to be quarantining since Saturday.

With lefty ace Eduardo Rodriguez scratched from Opening Day and likely to miss the first turn through the rotation due to pitching with a “tired arm” in his last start, it is significant that Richards is no longer out of the mix.

Though he missed what was scheduled to be his final start of Spring Training on Sunday, the Red Sox can probably find a way to get him ramped back up in relatively short order.

“Obviously, you know, he stayed at home. He was probably throwing s omething against the wall or whatever, I don't know,” said Cora. “I haven't talked to him about any specifics, but I'm about to find out, you know, where we’re at physically.”

The big thing for Cora and the Red Sox is that things have stabilized dramatically in a span of 48 hours.

“Hopefully it's the last time we have to go through this , but Spring Training is to prepare you for whatever happens during the season, so we're prepared, but hopefully we don't have to deal with it anymore,” said Cora.

After his postgame media briefing on Monday, Cora was ready to get back on the bus and head back to the team’s home base in Fort Myers, Fla., and put plans in motion for the start of the season.

“We’ve got to be patient. We’ll stay the course. We did a good job the last few days staying calm,” said Cora. “And now that we know what's going on, where we’re at, now we will plan for the weekend. And the good thing is, we’ve got options and we're in a good place. I think that Friday off-day is going to benefit us. The other off-day [on April 9] is going to benefit us right now, and we’ll just take advantage of that and make decisions based on who can perform this weekend and then go from there.”

With healthy arms, Sox optimistic in '21

Ian Browne

The Red Sox know they are lying in the weeds when it comes to the loaded American League East due to a last-place finish a year ago.

They also know the current roster is better and deeper than the one that stumbled to a 24-36 record in 2020.

For that reason, this team can’t wait to take the field for Opening Day at Fenway Park on Thursday against the Orioles because it will be its first chance to prove that it can be better than the prognosticators are expecting.

“Definitely we’ll be better than last year,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “No doubt about it. I feel good about the team. We know where we’re playing. We know the division. But we’ve done a pretty good job of working and getting better. The work doesn’t stop now. The work doesn’t stop on April 1.

“Obviously the games matter, but at the same time, we’re going to keep getting better. We have to keep working if we want to go to where we want to go. But we do feel very comfortable with the team. It’s a good baseball team. You guys have seen it.

“In a division [in which] there’s a lot of good baseball teams, we’ve just got to battle each day and see where it takes us. But on a personal note, I do believe we’re good. We have obviously some holes that we need to improve, but overall, it’s been a great camp and we’re ready to go.”

What needs to go right? The starting rotation has to hold up and provide innings and consistency. Typically, the rotation is the foundation of any good baseball team, and that’s why the bottom fell out for Boston last year. One thing that helps is the return of lefty ace Eduardo Rodriguez, who didn’t pitch in 2020 due to myocarditis.

Though Rodriguez had dead arm at the end of camp, which knocked him out of getting to pitch Opening Day, it was just a temporary issue. Rodriguez is expected to miss a minimal amount of time, perhaps not even a full turn in the rotation. Things could get even better if Chris Sale is able to return at midseason from Tommy John surgery and get back to his pre-injury form.

Great unknown Speaking of Sale, the seven-time All-Star will hit the one-year anniversary of his surgery on Tuesday. The Red Sox still haven’t laid out a timetable for his return to action. In fact, Sale has yet to throw off the mound, though the club said that could happen reasonably s oon. If Sale can be back by close to midseason, it could have a big impact on if the Red Sox can make a legitimate run at an AL Wild Card berth.

Of course, every pitcher rebounds differently from Tommy John surgery. If Sale can be as effective as John Lackey was for Boston when he came back in 2013, the Red Sox will be thrilled. With three full seaso ns left on his contract after this one, it stands to reason the Sox will stay on the conservative side with their power lefty.

Team MVP will be … Rafael Devers. The third baseman has enormous skill and power as a hitter, and the only thing that separates him from being a superstar is more discipline at the plate. If Devers can do a better job of controlling his at-bats, he should have a monster year -- perhaps even better than the one he had in 2019. Devers also needs to shore up his defense, and he’s been working hard at that all spring.

Team Cy Young will be … Rodriguez. For whatever reason, his maturation as a pitcher has been underrated. In 2019, the lefty was in top form for nearly every start for the final four months of the season. If he can pitch like that for a full season, he might finally get his just due, and it would be good timing, given that 2021 will be his final season before free agency.

Bold prediction Jarren Duran will take over center field (and leadoff) by June. Almost unfathomably, the thrilling and homegrown outfield trio of , Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts that helped the Red Sox to a title in 2018 is entirely gone. Though the Sox have one solid everyday piece in Alex Verdugo, their other two are more like platoon pieces in Franchy Cordero (left-handed hitter) and Hunter Renfroe (righty). This could pave the way for the club’s No. 4 prospect, Duran, to make his entry to the Major Leagues fairly early in the season. Duran has speed to burn and emerging power and projects as a leadoff hitter.

If he can complete his development at the alternate site and at Triple-A Worcester in a timely fashion, Duran could provide a major spark for the Red Sox. While Kiké Hernández deserves credit for embracing the chance to be the leadoff hitter, he would need to make a significant jump in his career stats to be effective in that spot.

* WEEI.com

All is well with Red Sox after Matt Barnes, others cleared to return

Rob Bradford

The Red Sox are seemingly back to normal.

Alex Cora confirmed the New York Post report Monday that Matt Barnes' positive COVID-19 diagnosis has been classified as non-infectious, with the pitcher coming away with multiple negative tests in recent days. The joint MLB-MLBPA COVID-19 Committee ruled that Barnes -- along with those sidelined due to contact tracing -- could return to normal participation.

"I’m just happy that he’s going to be back with us and it seems like we’re going to be at full strength in a few days," Cora said.

The development allows both Barnes and Matt Andriese to re-enter the mix for Opening Day. Two other pitchers who hadn't been participating since the COVID chaos began were Garrett Whitlock and Garrett Richards.

"Obviously, he stayed at home," Cora said of Richards. "Probably he was throwing something against the wall or whatever, I don't know. You know I haven't talked to him about any specifics but I'm about to find out, you know where we at, where we are physically. It really doesn't matter, right? It does matter but it doesn’t. We’ve got to be patient. We’ll stay the course. We did a good job the last few days staying calm. And now that you know, we know what's going on, where we at, now we will plan for the weekend. And the good thing is, we got options and we're in a good place. I think that Friday off day is going to benefit us. The other off day is going to benefit us right now and we just take advantage of that and make decisions based on who can perform this weekend and then go from there."

* NBC Sports Boston

Don't sleep on Red Sox' sneaky-good top-10 prospect list

John Tomase

Spring training results might not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but this spring they've given us our first look in more than a year at a number of Boston Red Sox prospects, providing crucial insight into their development.

In some cases, the news has been good, like right-hander hitting 97 mph with a fastball that was supposed to max out at 95.

In others, the returns have been less promising, such as outfielder Jeisson Rosario showing up out of shape. And then, of course, there's the injury to top pitching prospect Bryan Mata, which may still require Tommy John surgery.

In any event, the farm remains a primary focus of chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom, so it's worth reassessing the top 10 prospects in the organization, even while acknowledging that this list will probably look markedly different at this time next year.

1. , First Baseman Casas had camp interrupted to attend to an undisclosed medical issue, but once he returned, he impressed the Red Sox with his professionalism while exhibiting an advanced understanding of the strike zone.

Casas is massive at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, but he takes a smaller approach at the plate, choking up with two strikes and prioritizing contact over power. The power is so natural and effortless, however, there's little doubt he's 30 home runs waiting to happen.

2. Jeter Downs, / Though a side injury limited him to just 15 at-bats this spring, Downs made the most of them, slamming a pair of homers while posting a 1.207 OPS. Because he has yet to play a game in the Red Sox system, and because he has already been traded twice since being selected 32nd overall by the Reds in 2017, it's easy to lose sight of just how talented he actually is.

The last time he played competitively, he hit 24 homers, including five in 12 games at his first exposure to Double-A. He could move quickly.

3. Jarren Duran, Outfielder Red Sox prospects generally impressed this spring, with Duran taking another positive step forward. After winning the MVP of the Puerto Rican World Series this winter, Duran carried his newfound power into Fort Myers, hitting .302 with a pair of homers and a pair of steals.

He also struck out 18 times in 45 plate appearances while walking only twice, so the center fielder of the future remains a work in progress.

4. Gilberto Jimenez, Outfielder Don't be surprised if Jimenez is No. 1 on this list sometime in the next two years. The switch hitter can absolutely fly and is considered the fastest player in an organization that includes two burners in Duran and Rosario. He has also bulked up from 160 pounds when signed as a 17-year-old in 2017 to 220 pounds of muscle today.

He's a potential five-tool stud who showed off his arm in the Fort.

5. Bryan Mata, Pitcher (RHP) Here's the first disappointment of camp, though it has nothing to do with performance. Mata was diagnosed with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament early in spring training, and even though the Red Sox hope that he can overcome the injury simply with rest, history suggests that Tommy John could be in his future.

That's too bad, because he throws an upper-90s fastball that could've made him a bullpen candidate this year.

6. Connor Seabold, Pitcher (RHP) The scouting report when the Red Sox acquired Seabold with Nick Pivetta as part of the trade was that he had the ceiling of a crafty back-of-the-rotation starter, thanks to command of three pitches, but no overwhelming offering. After pitching at 91-93 and topping out at 95 in the minors, however, he was throwing 96-97 this spring, which caught Alex Cora's eye.

The 25-year-old is a candidate to start in the big leagues this year if the need arises.

7. Thaddeus Ward, Pitcher (RHP) It's not very often that a college reliever gets drafted as a starter, but Ward has made that transition. A Fort Myers native, he earned a couple of appearances this spring, striking out two, including All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies of the Braves.

With an upper-90s fastball and an outstanding sweeping slider, Ward becomes yet another depth starting option with upside.

8. , Pitcher (LHP) Don't sleep on Groome. The big lefty has been working his way back since being sidelined for nearly two years by Tommy John surgery, and he threw one scoreless inning this spring.

Groome exudes Jon Lester vibes with his 6-foot-6 left-handed frame and easy delivery. The key will be regaining the form on his curveball, which was widely considered the best in the 2016 MLB Draft.

9. , Second Baseman The Red Sox were mocked for taking Yorke in the first round last year, but he didn't look out of place when summoned to the alternate site last summer as a teenager, and he also acquitted himself nicely during a handful of spring at-bats that included a double and three walks.

Yorke profiles as a potential.300 hitter with the chance to develop 20-homer power.

10. Blaze Jordan, Third Baseman Jordan is one of baseball's more polarizing prospects. You either believe that his prodigious high school power -- which made him a staple on the home run derby circuit, including a victory at the 2019 All-Star Game in Cleveland -- will translate against big league pitching, or you think his bat will never play in an actual game.

This early in his career, let's give him a chance to prove himself.

Report: Red Sox 'in talks' with veteran relief pitcher

Justin Leger

The Boston Red Sox appear to be looking to make at least one more addition to their roster before Opening Day.

According to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox have engaged in talks with veteran relief pitcher Hector Rondón.

Rondón became a free agent last week after requesting his release from the Philadelphia Phillies. The 33- year-old signed a minor-league deal with Philly in February and has struggled mightily this spring, allowing seven runs in seven .

Last season with the , Rondón posted a 7.65 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 23 appearances (20 innings). That down year was an outlier as the the right-hander amassed a 3.29 ERA in his previous seven seasons with the Chicago Cubs and Astros.

Currently, the projected Red Sox bullpen consists of Matt Barnes, Adam Ottavino, Matt And riese, Garrett Whitlock, Austin Brice, Darwinzon Hernandez, Hirokazu Sawamura, Josh Taylor, and either Colten Brewer or Phillips Valdez. Ryan Brasier will begin the season on the injured list with a right pinkie fracture.

Per Cotillo, the Red Sox have also shown interest in free-agent relievers Jesse Biddle and Steve Cishek, though Cishek is likely to sign elsewhere.

* BostonSportsJournal.com

Red Sox Notebook: Vazquez expects to be in lineup for opener; Sox being cautious with ERod

Sean McAdam

Christian Vazquez was made available to the media Monday for the first time since suffering a serious gash just below his left eye during a drill last Thursday.

Sporting a sizeable scar, Vazquez nonetheless expressed confidence he’ll be part of the Red Sox Opening Day lineup on Thursday when the club hosts the Baltimore Orioles.

Vazquez must still have stitches removed and be seen by an eye doctor in the coming days, but expects to get clearance. He hit in the cage Monday morning, tracked some pitches in a “B” game and also caught a bullpen from Eduardo Rodriguez.

“I’m doing good,” said Vazquez. “My eye’s good, I can see perfect. … I’m 99 percent I can go Thursday.”

Recounting the incident, Vazquez said he was participating in a PFP (pitcher’s fielding practice) drill last Thursday and got distracted by something happening at first base. As he turned to look, pitcher Hirokazu Sawamura threw the ball home and caught Vazquez unaware.

“It knocked me down,” Vazquez recounted. “The cut is (from) the sunglasses. The sunglasses saved my eye. If I don’t have (them), it was a different story. But the ball hit the sunglasses and I got cut.”

Vazquez admitted that he was initially concerned about his vision in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

“All hits in the face, you’re worried,” he said. “I was worried about my eye. But when I got hit, I opened my eye and I was (able to see). That was a good sign. That’s the only concern I had.”

In the unlikely event that Vazquez can’t go Thursday, Alex Cora indicated that the Sox would utilize someone on the 40-man roster for a couple of days. That would likely mean Connor Wong would be on the roster, however briefly. Ronaldo Hernandez is the only other catcher other than Kevin Plawecki, but hasn’t played above Single-A. ______

Eduardo Rodriguez came through his second bullpen in the last three days without any issues, but the Red Sox are still treating his return to the rotation with caution and it’s unlikely he’ll get a start in the Red Sox’ first series this weekend.

“We’re running out of time,” said Cora. “He’s not going to be able to face hitters in a game situation. We’re going to be smart with him. One thing’s for sure, we’re not going to rush him. He’s an important part of what we’re trying to accomplish and for what he went through last year (with COVID-19 and myocarditis). We’re comfortable that this is something that’s not going to take long. We’ve just got to be smart with it.”

Nathan Eovaldi is set to pitch Opening Day. Beyond that, things are uns ettled. The Sox could turn to Martin Perez and Tanner Houck for the games Saturday or Sunday. ______Houck thought he had made his last start of the spring, until the Sox needed him to step in Monday, and Houck responded with a highly impressive outing, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings with just one walk.

“I’ve been putting in a lot of work, staying as ready as I can,” he said. “I got back to my roots today — really got back to throwing a good two-seamer, a slider off that and threw some really good splits throughout the whole outing. That’s obviously the pitch I’ve been working on the most, just trying to bring it up to elite caliber. For me, it was a lot of progress and I’m continuing to grow.”

______

The return of Matt Barnes from COVID quarantine — he was determined to have received a non-infectious positive — didn’t give any immediate clarity to the closer situation. Cora had been evaluating both Barnes and Adam Ottavino as his primary ninth-inning option, but that will require more time.

“It’s too soon, right now,” said Cora. “It’s not fair for anybody (to make the call now). It’s not that I don’t have an idea of what I want to do), but we have to see where we’re at. I had said we would probably make a decision before we hop on that plane (Tuesday afternoon), but with this situation, we have to wait and see where we’re at.” ______

The Sox got all four of their runs in the third inning on homers as Kiké Hernández and J.D. Martinez hit solo shots and Marwin Gonzalez later added a two-run shot. All three homers came off Atlanta starter Ian Anderson.

For Martinez, it was his first homer of the spring; for both Hernandez and Gonzalez, it was No. 3. In abrupt turn, Red Sox get the all-clear after COVID scare

In abrupt turn, Red Sox get the all-clear after COVID scare

Sean McAdam

The Red Sox went from “fire drill” to false alarm in the span of a little more than two days.

On Saturday morning, the Red Sox announced pitcher Matt Barnes had tested positive for COVID-19 and had up to eight members of the organization sequestered as part of contact tracing protocol.

“It’s a fire drill now, right?” asked Alex Cora, noting that chaos that the Sox had been thrown into just six days before the start of the regular season.

Upon further review, however, it wasn’t. Monday afternoon, Major League Baseball’s joint COVID-19 committee cleared Barnes to return to camp, based on information that he had actually tested as a “non - infectious positive.” All the people in the contact tracing protocol were also cleared to return to camp.

One source indicated that the “non-infectious positive” was the result of Barnes having had the virus previously without knowing. In some cases, such a case can result in a positive weeks and even months later, which is apparently what happened with Barnes.

The craziness of the last few days — coupled with Eduardo Rodriguez’s late-spring “dead arm” — had scrambled the Red Sox pitching plans just as camp was winding down. The Sox had faced the prosp ect of starting the season without Rodriguez, arguably their No. 1 starter, and Barnes, one of the club’s t wo best late-inning relievers.

It’s believed that Garrett Richards, the team’s projected No. 3 starter, was involved in the contact tracing protocol, based on his potential exposure to Barnes. Relievers Garrett Whitlock and Matt Andriese were also believed to be in that group.

Now, the day before they’re set to leave Fort Myers for Boston, the Sox have a reprieve.

“I just heard about it,” said Cora, minutes after the Red Sox blanked the Atlanta Braves, 4-0, in a seven- inning game. “I haven’t talked to (members of the Baseball Operations staff) but I know (Barnes) got cleared by the committee. I don’t know about the details, but I’m just happy he’s go ing to be back with us and it seems like we’re going to be at full strength in a few days.”

What’s uncertain, at least for now, is how far behind the handful of pitchers in quarantine have fallen due to their inactivity. Barnes last threw in a “B” game Friday, the day before the test result was revealed, while several others — including Richards — haven’t thrown off a mound in nearly a week.

“We’re about to see,” said Cora. “I’ll call (Barnes) and see where he’s at and we’ll go from there. I think it’s too soon to make decisions, too soon about where they’re at. I’m just happy they’re going to be with us — that’s the most important thing.”

The news also spares the Red Sox the trouble of attempting to get nine (or more) people transported from Fort Myers to Boston separate from the rest of the roster. Presumably, all can now be part of the team charter that will leave southwest Florida for New England following the completion of the team’s final Grapefruit League game Tuesday afternoon.

That doesn’t mean, however, that the team’s pitching plans are set. The Sox have tabbed Eovaldi as the replacement for Rodriguez in Thursday’s opener, but have yet to detail who will pitch in the season’s second or third game of the season on Saturday and Sunday.

Rodriguez threw a successful bullpen Monday morning, but the Sox seem determined to be extra cautious with him and it’s unlikely, at this point, that he will pitch in the first series. It’s possible, in fact that he will have to wait for the second turn in the rotation to pop up before he’s given clearance.

One possibility would be to go with Tanner Houck on Saturday. Houck had been optioned to the alternate training site more than a week ago, but, with the staff thin, was brought back Monday to pitch against Atlanta. Houck was brilliant over 4.1 scoreless innings, during which he allowed just two singles and a walk.

“He was real good,” said Cora. “The ball was moving all over the place, but he threw strikes, which is the most important thing. He got his work in and that was a positive outing for him. Obviously, he’s an option with all that’s going on. There’s a chance he can be part of this.”

The Sox planned a staff meeting for Monday to determine the availability of the pitchers and make some final roster decisions.

“We’re going to be patient,” Cora vowed. “We’ll stay the course. We did a good job the last few days, staying calm and now that we know what’s going on and where we’re at, we’ll plan for the weekend. The good thing is, we have options. We’re in a good place. I think that off-day (Friday) is going to benefit us. We’ll take advantage of that and make decisions based on who can perform this weekend go from there.

“I need to know more about this, to be honest with you. Hopefully, it’s the last time we have to go through this. But spring training is to prepare you, right, for whatever happens during the season so we’re prepared, but hopefully we don’t have to deal with this anymore.”

* The Athletic

The top 10 Red Sox rookies most likely to make an impact in 2021

Chad Jennings and Jen McCaffrey

Their top prospect has been reassigned to the minor leagues. The guy who dazzled in his three-start debut last summer has been optioned. The speedy center fielder who impressed in winter ball didn’t make the big-league club, either.

But it seems likely the Red Sox will open with at least three rookies on their roster. Four more have a relatively clear path to emerge at some point this season, another two could get there under the right circumstances — perhaps even in everyday roles — and a couple of older career minor leaguers have enough tools to put themselves in the mix if the right doors open and their performances justify a call-up.

Here, then, are the top 10 rookies who could impact the Red Sox this season, s tarting with the guy who leads them in home runs this spring.

1. Bobby Dalbec, 1B Current role: No. 9 hitter, starting first baseman.

Potential impact: Slugging run producer.

Of any Red Sox rookie, Dalbec seems to have the most immediate potential for everyday impact. We already knew his power was enormous, but through 12 spring games he’d already hit five homers, including two grand slams. And while the strikeouts are there and probably always will be, he has also managed to hit for average. There will be ebbs and flows as any rookie adjusts to a full year in the league, but Dalbec very well could break the Red Sox rookie record for homers in a season set by Walt Dropo in 1950 with 34. (For what it’s worth, the only others to hit 30 or more homers in their rookie years were Ted Williams, with 31 in 1939, and , with 30 in 1997.)

2. Hirokazu Sawamura, RHP Current role: One of many in the bullpen.

Potential impact: Late-inning force.

Despite 10 years pitching in Japan, Sawamura still has plenty of adjustments to make in his first major- league season. The ball itself is different from the one in Japan, as is the strike zone and even the mound, which Sawamura noted is harder and more compact. The Red Sox factored all of this in when pursuing him this winter and think he’ll settle in sooner rather than later. He’ll need to, as he’s expected to play a key role in the back end of the Red Sox bullpen. And while manager Alex Cora has said he doesn’t want to use Sawamura in the closer role at the outset, in order to let him get adjusted to the league and its hitters, Sawamura does have the most closing experience of any pitcher in the bullpen with 75 career saves in Japan.

3. Tanner Houck, RHP Current role: Alternate-site starter.

Potential impact: Rotation help (maybe even an upgrade).

Houck was recently optioned to the alternate site, though that was no real surprise. The right-hander dazzled in those final three starts last season, but the Red Sox wanted him to keep working on his third pitch (the splitter) and didn’t want to add pressure this spring that he needed to be their fifth man in the rotation. The results were mixed with two awful starts and one terrific one, but rather than reading too much into the small sample, the Red Sox want to see him develop more in the minors. At the alt site, Houck will probably be the first pitcher called up if the Red Sox need another starter. Chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom also recently noted that in 2012 top Rays prospect Chris Archer had a strong debu t but didn’t make the Rays’ Opening Day roster in 2013. Archer still made 23 starts that year, with every other starter making at least 22. That’s to say, even though Houck won’t begin the year in the Red Sox rotation, he’s expected to pitch plenty of important innings in Boston this year.

4. Garrett Whitlock, RHP Current role: Rule 5 long man.

Potential impact: Key outs in the middle innings.

As a Rule 5 draftee, Whitlock has to remain on the roster the entire year or be optioned back to the Yankees. That means the Red Sox felt he could make a significant impact in the bullpen, and so far he has looked the part. The 24-year-old had been a starter throughout his minor-league career before Tommy John surgery in 2019, but he figures to fill a middle-innings-type role with the Red Sox at the outset. His mid- 90s velocity has been encouraging this spring, and it’s not out of the question to expect him to work his way into higher-leverage roles as the season progresses.

5. Jarren Duran, CF Current rule: Alternate-site outfielder.

Potential impact: Everyday center fielder.

The Red Sox have already re-assigned Duran to the minors, as was expected, but a midseason call-up is likely on the horizon. Duran made big strides at the plate last year with a revamped swing but still needs to work on his defense in center. A midyear big-league debut leaves plenty of time for him to impact the club in the second half with his speed and bat.

6. Connor Seabold, RHP Current role: Alternate-site starter.

Potential impact: Inevitable rotation depth.

Houck might be the next man up, but the Red Sox are going to need more than five or six starters. That’s where Seabold comes in. Acquired in last year’s Brandon Workman trade, the 25-year-old has pitched nearly 100 innings in Double A — which suggests he’s ready for Triple A — and he showed good velocity and an impressive change-up in spring training. While Houck seems next in line for spot-start opportunities, Seabold should be competing with non-roster veterans like Ryan Weber, Daniel Gossett and Stephen Gonsalves for future call-ups. His role is especially important now that Bryan Mata is likely to miss significant time with an elbow injury.

7. Connor Wong, C Current role: Alternate-site catcher.

Potential impact: Next man up behind the plate.

The Red Sox have options beyond Christian Vázquez and Kevin Plawecki. Veterans Jett Bandy and Chris Herrmann are in camp on minor-league deals, and offensive-minded Ronaldo Hernández was acquired from the Rays this offseason. But it’s Wong who seemed to grab Alex Cora’s attention in spring training, suggesting he could be next in line should the Red Sox need another catcher this season. (The fact he’s on the 40-man roster doesn’t hurt.) The Athletic’s Keith Law ranked Wong the 18th-best prospect in the organization with above-average power and the potential to play some second base and third base as needed. Cora seemed impressed with Wong’s poise and improvement as a receiver.

8. , RHP Current role: Alternate-site reliever.

Potential impact: Up-and-down bullpen arm.

Last winter, Bazardo was left exposed to the Rule 5 draft and went unselected. He was not included at the alternate site last summer. So, what’s changed to put him in the mix? Crucially, the 25-year-old looked sharp in the fall instructional league, where, according to Law, his fastball was sitting in the mid-90s with a powerful, effective curveball. Bazardo also has a history of throwing strikes, which helps him stand out from other, wilder young relievers. His initial opportunity might come as a last man in the bullpen, but that’s also the way Josh Taylor arrived in 2019 before pitching his way into a more prominent role.

9. Jeter Downs, INF Current role: Alternate-site middle infielder.

Potential impact: Young possibility at second base.

The top prospect in the Red Sox system falls to No. 9 on this list only because there isn’t an obvious or immediate path to everyday at-bats. The Red Sox have, within the past year, acquired Kiké Hernández, Marwin Gonzalez and Christian Arroyo to play second base and provide depth at shortstop. They also have Michael Chavis, who can play second, and Jonathan Araúz, who’s a capable utilityman already on the 40- man roster. Downs is only 22 with 12 games of experience above A-ball, so it’s not a sure thing he’ll play any role this season. But his upside is that of an everyday second baseman who can hit, and that’s hard to ignore when he’s relatively close to the big leagues.

10. Josh Ockimey, 1B / Michael Gettys, OF Current roles: Alternate-site sluggers.

Potential impact: Bench contributors with power.

Born five days apart, these 25-year-olds have basically aged out of prospect rankings, but they each have tantalizing power. Ockimey is a homegrown first baseman who’s wildly popular among coaches and teammates. He hit 25 home runs with 82 walks in Triple A two years ago, but he has struck out at least 139 times in each of the past three seasons. Gettys has speed, a good arm and one 31-homer Triple-A season, but his own issues — 191 of them in a single season — kept him stuck in the minors through seven seasons with the Padres. The Red Sox don’t have an obvious next-in-line outfielder, nor do they have another power-hitting lefty for first base. A door of opportunity could open for each player, if they don’t swing and miss that too.

Learning to love the alternate site? 14 things to know about Red Sox’ Worces ter backup plan

Chad Jennings

When the Red Sox break camp this week, there will be more than 26 players heading north. The biggest names, of course, will land in Boston and head to Fenway Park for Thursday’s season opener, but another 28 players — maybe more — will continue on to Worcester, Mass., to spend the next month playing mostly simulated games while waiting for the real thing.

With delayed until early May, next-in-line players are again left with the somewhat familiar, somewhat totally bizarre experience of the alternate site.

“I think the alt site is a balance of having a place where guys can make adjustments and get competitive reps at the same time,” Red Sox director of player development Brian Abraham said. “Like last year, it’s a lot of what we make of it. But ultimately, like Triple A, it’s to provide depth for the major league team as well as providing the chance for guys there to continue to improve and get better and be ready when their number is called.”

Alternate sites were introduced last summer when the minor league season was canceled. The format is back this season as a short-term bridge between spring training and the delayed start of minor league play. Last year, the Red Sox held theirs in Pawtucket, R.I., at McCoy Stadium. But with the having moved to Worcester, the site will now be at their new home, Polar Park.

Here are 14 things we’ve learned about the 2021 alternate site, the Red Sox plans for it, and some of the COVID-19 protocol quirks that leave some element of unknown.

1. There is a player pool this year

Just like last year, the Red Sox have to set a player pool of those eligible for the major league roster, but this year’s pool is larger and more flexible.

Instead of 60 players, Abraham said, the pool is 70 players, and the Red Sox don’t have to name all 70 right away. They can add to the group if a need develops, or if they acquire someone, or if someone plays his way into consideration.

The pool will automatically include the 26 active major league players, anyone on the major league injured list and anyone assigned to the alternate site. It could also include some players who are kept in minor league spring training to open the season.

Being in the player pool means a player will go through major league COVID-19 protocols. The way the protocols are laid out, major league and Triple-A rosters are considered to be one subset of players, while Double A and lower is considered another subset of players.

2. There’s a 28-man “active” roster at the alt site

Think of it like a regular Triple-A roster, and the “active” part will mean more when the real Triple-A season begins.

Abraham said the Red Sox already have a preliminary list for the alternate site, but they haven’t announced it and won’t do so until it’s finalized. The last days of spring training can be volatile with outside players becoming available and internal players getting hurt or falling out of the mix (as happened when Matt Barnes tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday).

Abraham wouldn’t get into any specific names, but he said most alternate site assignments — if not all of them — will come as no surprise. That almost certainly means rotation prospects Tanner Houck and Connor Seabold will be there (assuming Houck isn’t needed in Boston), as will veteran pitchers such as Ryan Weber and Daniel Gossett. Young position players like Jonathan Araúz and Jarren Duran also should be there with veterans Jett Bandy and Yairo Muñoz. If Michael Chavis doesn’t make the big league team, he’ll be at the alternate site, too. Whoever you’re expecting to be in Triple A, it’s fair to expect them to be at the alternate site.

3. More than 28 might go to the alternate site

There’s potential for the alternate site to have as many as five extra players on a kind of inactive list. It’s unclear how the Red Sox plan to use this out of the gate, but there’s at least some potential for up to 33 players to be assigned to Worcester at the end of spring training.

Considering the alternate site will be playing mostly simulated and intrasquad games, it likely makes little difference whether a player technically is active or inactive at the alternate site.

4. Taxi squads add another wrinkle

A key reason for a five-man inactive list is the five-man taxi squad.

Whenever the major league Red Sox go on the road, they will have with them a five-man taxi squad of alternate-site players to serve as depth in case of injury or a positive COVID-19 test. One of the five has to be a catcher. In theory, when those five are gone from the alternate site — roughly every other week — the inactive players can fill-in for games.

The taxi squad is a way of avoiding commercial travel and keeping players within COVID-19 protocols in case a big league roster move is necessary.

“(Adding a player) is a little more difficult to do these days,” Abraham said. “Compared to normal when you can pop a guy on a plane and say, ‘We’ll see you in five hours.’”

Players on the taxi squad, Abraham said, are supposed to be the first ones added if someone gets hurt or tests positive. That means the five taxi-squad players have to cover several contingencies. Abraham said it’s unclear whether taxi squads will remain after the Triple-A season has started, but it’s certainly possible.

5. Choosing a taxi squad is tricky

Non-roster veterans such as Muñoz (who can play almost any position) or Kevin McCarthy (who pitched well this spring) should be obvious taxi squad options, but neither is on the 40-man roster. And that’s an issue because 40-man rules are still in effect.

If a player tests positive for COVID-19, he no longer fills a 40-man spot, so a non-roster player can be easily added. If there’s a full COVID outbreak, 40-man roster rules will be relaxed to grant even more flexibility (but that’s only in the case of multiple positives, like what happened with the Marlins last year). But, if the call-up is a reaction to a typical injury, then the usual 40-man roster rules apply. To replace an injured player, either Muñoz or McCarthy — or any other non-roster player — would have to be added to the 40-man, which could mean designating someone else for assignment.

Without knowing exactly the roster issue that might arise, the Red Sox will have to pick five players to cover multiple contingency plans. Not easy to do.

6. The taxi squad won’t have much to do

Road trips often last a full week, and that’s a long time for any player to do nothing but work out and take batting practice or throw in the bullpen.

“The reality is, if you’re on the taxi squad, you’re not getting the reps at the alt site or Triple A,” Abraham said. “So, there is some negative there. You’re with the (big league) team and able to work out with them, but once the games start, you’re off.”

Abraham didn’t say this, but it seems unlikely a prospect such as Duran or Jeter Downs would be put o n a taxi squad unless there’s a plan to activate them (this is what happened with Houck last summer).

7. At the alt site, big-league viability is king

Last year, with the minor league season canceled, the Red Sox assigned a handful of low-level players to the alternate site even though they were nowhere near the big league radar. Abraham doesn’t expect to do that this year.

For younger players such as 2020 first-round pick Nick Yorke — who was at the alt site last summer — it’s surely more valuable to stay in Fort Myers, Fla., for the upcoming minor league spring training.

“As exciting as the alt site was (for some lower-level players),” Abraham said. “I think there’s (now) a chance for us to have some of these guys go back into a (minor league) camp where they’re able to focus on what they need to focus on, rather than having to worry about competing for a spot in the big leagues.”

The priority at the alternate site, Abraham said, will be immediate depth for the big league team. He expects the group to look more or less like a typical Triple-A roster.

8. Don’t forget, there’s a minor league season coming

An important reason that the alt-site roster will look a lot like the Triple-A roster is that a Triple-A season is coming. The real will start playing May 4.

“With the Triple-A season in the near future, I think we have to keep that in consideration,” Abraham said. “In (about one month), we are going to have to have a team. We are going to have to have a Triple-A roster that is available to play nine-inning games on a night-in and night-out basis. … I think we will stretch guys out as we normally do. We will have length and starters who will eventually move into a starting rotation, and our bullpen arms will have the ability to be flexible.”

Playing a bunch of simulated games at the alternate site means the Red Sox could — if they wanted to — have 10 fully stretched out starting pitchers and no one who really plays second base for a month, but Abraham said part of the focus will be getting a real team ready for the season ahead. The alt site might not have an exact five-man rotation, but it will have something close to it.

9. There will be alternate site games (ideally)

The vast majority of time at the alternate site probably will be spent doing drills and playing simulated intrasquad games, and much like last summer, some of those “games” will be played without a full set of position players. There simply aren’t enough players to field two full teams.

But this year, organizations are allowed to schedule exhibition games against other nearby alternate sites. For the Red Sox, the closest options are Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Yankees), Brooklyn (Mets), and Lehigh Valley (Phillies). Abraham said the Red Sox are in talks with several teams about potential games, but nothing is scheduled just yet. Those games will have to be approved by Major League Baseball and require following various COVID protocols.

10. There’s another wrinkle for alt-site games

Because the priority is having players available if/when a major league team needs them, alternate site rosters are only allowed to travel when the major league team travels.

In other words, if the Red Sox are home, the alt-site Red Sox will be home as well (so that players can drive to Fenway Park as needed). And if the alternate Red Sox want to, for example, bring the alternate Yankees to Worcester for a game, it can only happen when the real Yankees are on the road.

11. All of this starts very soon

The first alternate site workout is scheduled for Thursday, the same day the Red Sox open their regu lar season against Baltimore. The new Triple-A Worcester Red Sox open their season May 4, giving the alternate site basically a month before a fairly normal minor league season begins.

12. Minor league spring training starts immediately after

When the big league and alternate site teams leave JetBlue Park next week, minor league spring training will start almost immediately Friday. Teams are allowed to schedule minor league spring training games against other organizations in the second half of April.

13. Not every minor leaguer will be in minor league camp

Because of distancing protocols, teams are allowed only 215 people in minor league camp. That includes players and staff, which means the Red Sox can’t bring everyone in the system to minor league camp. It’s not as extreme as last year, but yet again, they’re having to pick and choose.

“We’re hopeful (everyone else) will be able to come for extended spring and start in May,” Abraham said.

14. Minor league camp might be more valuable than the alt site

For some players — even some who were invited to big league spring training — it might be preferable to be left off the alternate-site roster. Minor league camp will include more than enough players for full intrasquad games, and for an especially young player such as Yorke who needs experience above all else, that’s almost certainly a better working environment than the unusual simulated games in Worcester.

It’s a little bit harder to say which is better for a young 40-man player such as Jay Groome, who badly needs in-game experience, but might also benefit from another month facing more experienced hitters at the alt site. There’s no rule that says all 40-man players must be assigned to the alternate site.

“The same type of factors that we talked about when we were bringing guys into major league spring training,” Abraham said. “It’s a combination of experience, the ability for younger players to be around older players, individual growth development and work with our staff, combined with big league reps in major league spring training. I think you can look at it a bunch of different ways, and I think we take individual players and each individual case on an individual basis.”

* The New York Post

Adam Ottavino thrust into big Red Sox role after Yankees trade

Peter Botte

Yankees castoff Adam Ottavino is likely to open the season as the new closer of the Red Sox due to the team’s COVID-19 situation.

Projected closer Matt Barnes tested positive for the coronavirus late last week and will need to be isolated from the team for a minimum of 10 days through at least April 5.

Ottavino, who was dealt to Boston in January in a salary-shedding move by the Yankees, hasn’t allowed an in 6 1/3 innings over six spring-training appearances. He is entering the final year of the three- year, $27 million deal he signed with the Yankees in 2019.

The 35-year-old Brooklyn product fell out of favor in Aaron Boone’s bullpen last season with a 5.89 ERA and a 1.582 WHIP over 24 relief appearances. Ottavino, who has registered 19 career saves, also pitched just 2/3 of an inning during the playoffs against Cleveland and Tampa Bay last season.

Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, a 19-game winner in 2019, missed the entire COVID-shortened season last year because of a heart condition after testing positive for the virus.