Red Sox Add Catcher Jonathan Lucroy to Player Pool After Initial Absence
By Jerry Trotta
The Boston Red Sox announced their initial player pool for the 2020 season over the weekend, but only named 47 of a possible 60 players. The reveal featured a surprise omission in catcher Jonathan Lucroy, but it was always speculated that the club would eventually extend an invitation to the two-time All-Star.
Per Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, the Red Sox added Lucroy to their 60-man roster on Thursday after adjusting his contract earlier in the week. He'll serve as a non-roster invitee as players report to Fenway Park for camp.
Red Sox announced they've officially added catcher Jonathan Lucroy to their player pool as a non-roster invitee.
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) July 2, 2020
This was unquestionably the right move by Boston, as Lucroy was enjoying a solid Spring Training before play was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak. In 12 Grapefruit League games, he hit .300 (6-for-20) with seven walks.
The 34-year-old is coming off three injury-plagued seasons, during which he spent time with five different teams. Back in February, the Red Sox signed him to a minor-league deal with an opt-out coming into Spring Training.
The Red Sox on Thursday announced the addition of Jonathan Lucroy to the Club Player Pool. https://t.co/R5nGvQKhZg pic.twitter.com/TKKTzRhg4x
— NESN (@NESN) July 2, 2020
If Lucroy remains healthy and motivated, there's no reason to think that he couldn't beat out Kevin Plawecki, who was also having a nice preseason, as the backup catcher to starter Christian Vazquez.