https://www.overthemonster.com/2018/9/12/17849892/red-sox-playoff-roster-projection
Position Players: Sandy León, Mitch Moreland, Ian Kinsler, Xander Bogaerts, Eduardo Núñez, Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez, Blake Swihart, Steve Pearce, Brock Holt, Rafael Devers, Tzu-Wei Lin
Pitchers: Chris Sale, David Price, Eduardo Rodriguez, Rick Porcello, Craig Kimbrel, Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, Nathan Eovaldi, Joe Kelly, Heath Hembree, Bobby Poyner
As for the bullpen, well, I’m pulling on my collar like a bad actor in a 30-year-old sitcom. I think the back four is pretty clear. Kimbrel’s obviously the closer, and assuming Barnes will be able to come back fine from this hip injury he’s the clear set-up man. Brasier has clearly earned Cora’s trust and is a big late-inning arm who is getting used to coming in with men on base. Eovaldi is shifting to the bullpen, and his outing on Tuesday has me feeling better about him in one or two inning stints.
After this, I think the battle is on. Kelly has recovered well from a long, midseason slump and is back in Cora’s good graces. If he pitches well down the stretch, he has a spot wrapped up. Hembree is in the opposite direction, but he started high enough up to the totem pole that I don’t think he’s fallen off the roster completely. At least not yet. If he falters a couple more times this month, he’ll be gone. Finally, Poyner is probably the biggest surprise here, and I’m not sure if this is just wishful thinking. The team loved him back in spring, though, and he’s looked good when given his chances. They’ve gone without a lefty all year, but in the playoffs those matchups matter more. I think they’re going to test Poyner all month, and if he pitches well he’ll be there in October. Brandon Workman was probably the hardest cut, and he will very much be in contention for a spot, particularly with Hembree. Keep an eye on Hector Velazquez and Brian Johnson, too.