March 10 Notes: Ottavino’s Red Sox Debut; Chavis Talks “Awkward Situation”

Ottavino In Action

Adam Ottavino was traded from the Yankees to the Red Sox in a rare trade between the division rivals this offseason, and the 35-year-old reliever was on the mound for the first time on Wednesday. He only pitched one inning in relief of Matt Andriese and got himself out of trouble.

Ottavino got Guillermo Heredia to ground out and Phillip Ervin to strike out but then Ryan Goins hit a double off of him to get into scoring position. But, there was no harm done because he was able to strike out Willson Contreras‘ brother, William Contreras.

Ottavino is expected to play a big role in a Red Sox bullpen that isn’t particularly deep with Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, and Josh Taylor as the only relievers that will give Alex Cora consistent innings.

Chavis Expressing Doubt About Making Roster

According to MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo, infielder Michael Chavis is uncertain about if he will even be on the Red Sox Opening Day roster. “I’m not even sure I have a place on the team. That’s what I’m trying to earn… It’s obviously a little bit of an awkward situation. I’m huge on mental skills, everybody knows that. It just goes back to, I’m able to rest my cap knowing I did what I needed to do to prepare for this. I worked really hard this off-season. I truly did everything I could to prepare for this.”

“In regards to my position, I’m not sure if I have one. I’m not sure where I fit in. But as uncomfortable as this is and as awkward as that is, it’s weird because I don’t feel uncomfortable in that. I worked my butt off this off-season…If I don’t earn a spot, I did what I needed to do and I can truly sleep knowing that.”

Chavis is battling with Christian Arroyo for likely the final bench spot. Due to the additions of utility men Kike Hernandez and Marwin Gonzalez, Chavis could find himself as the odd man out.

(Photo: John Minchillo/AP)