Off-Day News: September Call-Ups have begun (9/1/16)

Never let it be known that this off-day was uneventful. The big news was the September call-ups, most notably Yoan Moncada. With just 293 minor league games under his belt, the 21 year old bypassed Pawtucket just like his predecessor Andrew Benintendi had done. How much he'll play is anyone's guess, but its worth it just to give Travis Shaw a wakeup call to get his act together or his job is gone.

                                                The number 1 rated prospect in MLB is here

In an unsurprising move, Joe Kelly has been called up. Say what you will about his disasterous relief appearances last month in Boston, he's been downright unhittable in Pawtucket since his demotion. With the late inning Sox bullpen in shambles due to injuries and ineffectiveness, the Sox may have no choice than to turn to Kelly to bail them out. This may make or break the John Lackey trade because Allen Craig has already proven to be a bust, its now or never for Kelly to make an impact.

                                             Will we finally see the Machine Gun?

Another unsurprising move was to shore up the infield defense with the addition of Deven Marrero. The slick fielder can play anywhere across the diamond, and will be imperative to get the starters some rest in the late innings.....if Sox manager John Farrell doesn't panic.

                                                  The Sox are gonna need that glove in the later innings

The fourth move was a surprising one, Robby Scott. Scott combined with Keith Couch, Henry Owens and Brian Johnson to make the Portland Sea Dogs a powerhouse in 2014. Unfortunately the call-ups to Pawtucket ended Portland's post-season run early. Scott was an undrafted rookie free agent who signed in 2011 and has climbed through the ranks scratching and clawing. Sox brass is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to getting out in the late innings. Giving guys like Scott and Kelly the chance to pitch eases the pressure on Matt Barnes, Brad Ziegler and Robbie Ross Jr who have been overworked to death.

                                           From undrafted to the big show, good luck Robby

The fifth move was expected, Ryan Hanigan came off the disabled list. Its puzzling how the Sox are keeping 3 catchers in Leon, Hanigan and Brian Holoday and possibly a fourth once Pawtucket's season is over, but at this point the Sox need all the help they can get. Hanigan can draw a walk here and there and can call a game. Holoday was just an emergency catcher with Christian Vazquez needing more seasoning, Blake Swihart out for the season and Hanigan hurt. Hopefully a healthy Hanigan can contribute.

                                             Hot Hands Hanigan is back for more.

There was one drawback to the call-ups, William Cuevas was designated for assignment. He either returns to Pawtucket or he's outright released. Most likely he returns to Pawtucket and makes an appearance later this month.

There will be more additions when guys come off the disabled list and Pawtucket's season ends. Heath Hembree will be back after Labor Day, Koji Uehara will be along shortly after that.  Who knows when Andrew Benintendi will come back, but he'll be welcomed back when he does.

The Sox have exactly one month to wipe out the Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros to make the playoffs either as the Division champ or a wild card. The Sox will be wise to win the division to avoid the play-in game, because even if you win, you burn one of your starters before the LDS starts. Still, its better to be fighting for a playoff spot at all since the last two seasons were a wash.