Ron Roenicke sees no need for Red Sox bullpen rebuild

BOSTON --- Ron Roenicke wouldn’t mind using the same back end of the bullpen in 2021.

The Red Sox manager would be fine with Ryan Brasier setting up Matt Barnes. That’s been the high-leverage pecking order since former closer Brandon Workman was traded to the Phillies in August.

"That’s really the back end of the bullpen," Roenicke said. "Still looking at Brasier and Barnes. We like them eight-nine. If there’s a piece that fits in there, [...]

BOSTON --- Ron Roenicke wouldn’t mind using the same back end of the bullpen in 2021.

The Red Sox manager would be fine with Ryan Brasier setting up Matt Barnes. That’s been the high-leverage pecking order since former closer Brandon Workman was traded to the Phillies in August.

"That’s really the back end of the bullpen," Roenicke said. "Still looking at Brasier and Barnes. We like them eight-nine. If there’s a piece that fits in there, we’ll just add to that."

Darwinzon Hernandez is being eyed for roles elsewhere. The left-hander could escape the bullpen entirely, joining the starting rotation, or serve as a bulk pitcher behind an opener. Hernandez could also operate as a multiple-inning bridge to the final six outs, and he should be healthy after recovering from COVID-19 and spending time on the injured list due to a sprained SC joint.

"His value is he can go more than one inning – and meaningful innings – in games you want to win," Roenicke said. "We have high hopes next year he comes in and hopefully we’re done with this virus with him."

bkoch@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7054

On Twitter: @BillKoch25