The Red Sox brought back catcher Ali Sánchez in a minor league trade with the Mets on Sunday night, sending cash to New York, per a source. On Monday, Boston added Sánchez to their 40-man roster and promoted him as a September call-up.
To clear a roster spot, top prospect Marcelo Mayer—who had season-ending wrist surgery on Aug. 20—was shifted from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL. The Sox also recalled reliever Zack Kelly as their second September addition.
Those roster spots are flexible throughout the month, and Kelly’s stint could be brief since Boston will need a starter on Wednesday. Lefty Kyle Harrison, acquired from the Giants in the Rafael Devers trade and currently at Triple-A Worcester, is the leading candidate. Manager Alex Cora, however, said, “There’s a lot of guys that we’re considering.”
Sánchez, who appeared in six games for Boston last month but logged just one plate appearance, was designated for assignment on Aug. 18. After clearing waivers and electing free agency, he signed with the Mets and spent a short stint at Triple-A Syracuse before returning to the Sox.
“We saw an opportunity to bring back a good catcher, a guy we really like,” Cora explained. “We don’t know what the future holds—Carlos Narváez was banged up a few weeks ago, and while he’s been able to play, we want insurance. If something happens, Sánchez can help us win games.”
