The Red Sox are one step closer to finalizing their Opening Day roster.
The club made its latest round of spring roster cuts on Monday morning, announcing that infielder/outfielder Nate Eaton and catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper have been optioned to Triple-A and that catcher Matt Thaiss has been reassigned to minor league camp.
The Red Sox now have 38 players remaining in big league camp, and the moves pave the way for utility man Andruw Monasterio to make the team and confirm Connor Wong will remain the club’s backup catcher.
The Red Sox have 17 position players remaining on the spring roster, but only 13 who are active. Romy Gonzalez has already been placed on the 60-day injured list, Triston Casas and Anthony Seigler are both expected to start the season on the 15-day IL and non-roster invitee Brendan Rodgers suffered a significant shoulder injury earlier in camp and will likely miss extended time.
With camp set to break on Tuesday the Red Sox now only have to finalize their pitching staff before flying out to Cincinnati for Opening Day. Left-handers Connelly Early and Payton Tolle, rookie Rule 5 pick Ryan Watson, rookie left-hander Tyler Samaniego and recently signed veteran reliever Tommy Kahnle appear the most likely contenders for the final spot.