Call to the pen
Fansided

Predicting the Boston Red Sox 2016 Opening Day Roster

By Nick Fustor

May 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) congratulates center fielder Mookie Betts (50) on hitting his second home run of the game during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) congratulates center fielder Mookie Betts (50) on hitting his second home run of the game during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bullpen

Craig Kimbrel takes over the closer role with high expectations for the rebuilt Red Sox.  Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Craig Kimbrel takes over the closer role with high expectations for the rebuilt Red Sox.  Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected Bullpen:

Long Relief – Stephen Wright

Long Relief – Matt Barnes

Middle Relief – Tommy Layne

Middle Relief – Robbie Ross Jr.

Middle Relief – Junichi Tazawa

Setup – Carson Smith

Setup – Koji Uehara

Closer – Craig Kimbrel

The offseason additions of All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel and setup man Carson Smith provide a major boost to a Boston bullpen that never seemed to find its footing in 2015. Kimbrel gives the team a proven weapon to deploy against any team and have the confidence to close out games unscathed.  Despite seeing his ERA balloon nearly a full point from 2014, Kimbrel remains one of the elite closers in the game for his ability to rack up strikeouts.

Along with Kimbrel, the newly acquired Carson Smith will slide into a setup role – but on most other teams, he could likely be a closer.  Add in Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa, and innings six through nine look rock solid for the Sox.

Stephen Wright is almost a surefire lock to win the long relief job, and it’s also possible that the team gives up on keeping the hard throwing Matt Barnes as a starter and brings him into the bullpen full time.  Along with them, lefties Robbie Ross Jr. and Tommy Layne should alternate on a nightly basis.

Next: Starting Rotation

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