The Boston Red Sox are getting closer to opening day, which means the roster will need to be finalized.
As the Red Sox cut down on players at big league camp, they announced that infielder Tsung-Che Cheng was optioned to minor league camp on Thursday, along with Nick Sogard. Max Ferguson, Tyler McDonough, Mikey Romero, Allan Castro and Nathan Hickey were reassigned to minor league camp as well.
The Red Sox claimed Cheng off waivers on Feb. 6 after he was designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals. He has been designated for assignment four times this offseason. He went 2-for-15 in spring training with the Red Sox.
He will remain on the 40-man roster, but this move strengthens Andruw Monasterio’s case to make the opening day roster. Monasterio is slashing .300/.405/.467 with five walks and nine hits this spring. However, Cheng still has a chance to make an impact down the line.
Cheng was once the No. 9 prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and made his MLB debut last season. He went hitless in the three MLB games he played. He has had some success in the minor leagues, and the Red Sox are likely hoping he develops into a role player for them.
Still only 24 years old, Cheng is a talented player who still needs to develop. When the Red Sox claimed him off waivers, they were not really taking a risk. He still has high upside, and costs them next to nothing.
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