Red Sox designate Chase d’Arnaud for assignment

Hector Velazquez is making his major-league debut for the Red Sox tonight in what will hopefully just be a one-start stint before David Price returns from injury. This is exciting, but it also means someone needs to be taken off the active roster to make room for the 2016 Mexican League standout. As it turns out, Chase d’Arnaud is the odd man out. The team designated the infielder for assignment prior to Thursday’s game.

The move leaves the Red Sox short a position player, but that is not a huge concern given the fact that d’Arnaud was hardly used when he was on the roster. The utility infielder played in all of two games as a member of the organization and had just one plate appearance. I would expect another move in the coming days to get another position player on the roster after Velazquez’ start.

Strangely enough, there was another move to make room for Velazquez on the 40-man roster despite the fact that designating d’Arnaud for assignment already creates that roster opening. Steven Wright has been moved to the 60-day disabled list.

It’s a strange move that ultimately means nothing. Wright was always going to be transferred to the 60-day disabled list at some point, so it happening now rather than a few days or weeks for now is meaningless. Still, it will likely fuel some speculation. Maybe they’re about to make a trade. Maybe Sam Travis or Rafael Devers is getting called up. The speculation certainly won’t end until the now-open 40-man spot gets filled.

For now, though, we mourn the end of the Chase d’Arnaud era. What a long, strange trip it’s been.