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Red Sox claim Chase d’Arnaud off waivers from Atlanta

They add a little more infield depth to their organization.

By Matt_Collins
Atlanta Braves v New York Mets Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

The Red Sox are dealing with a lack of infield options right now, with Pablo Sandoval and Brock Holt on the disabled list and Dustin Pedroia hobbled by a knee injury after Manny Machado’s now-infamous slide last weekend. This has led to them relying on Josh Rutledge and Marco Hernandez as starters and Steve Selsky as a fill-in at third base. That’s...not ideal. To add a little more depth to their organization, they’ve claimed Chase d’Arnaud off waivers from the Braves.

Carson Smith has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster.

d’Arnaud has bounced around between the Pirates, Phillies and Braves over the last few years, mostly serving as a little-used fill-in piece. He has 447 career plate appearances over six seasons with a .231/.288/.312 line. The 30-year-old got his most playing time in 2016 when he received 262 plate appearances with Atlanta and hit .245/.317/.335.

d’Arnaud is a true utility player, having appeared in games at every position besides first base and catcher. Most of his experience comes at shortstop and third base. Although he’s not the most exciting player in the world, he can handle multiple positions where the Red Sox need depth and can provide value on the base paths.

It is worth noting that d’Arnaud is out of minor-league options, and thus will have to be placed on the major-league roster from the get-go. He will not be available tonight against the Yankees, but one would assume a move will be coming soon. My guess is that Selsky will be optioned back to Triple-A, as the outfield is fully healthy and d’Arnaud can fill in as a fifth outfielder while also being a much better option for the ailing infield than Selsky. It’s also possible that Pedroia will need a trip to the disabled list, which would obviously make room for d’Arnaud. Nope. Pedroia is in the lineup tonight. It’s gotta be Selsky, I think.

I’m not sure where he fits on the roster when everyone is healthy, but until that’s the case it’s not a concern.

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