Fort Report: Poyner & Walden make big league club

Here are Monday's minor league notes:

• According to the Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham, the Red Sox have decided on their 25-man roster. Notable prospects included on the opening day roster are Brian Johnson, Bobby Poyner, Marcus Walden (pictured) and Blake Swihart. With specifically Poyner and Walden reportedly making the team out of camp, both Robby Scott and Brandon Workman will begin the year in Pawtucket.

• Knuckleballer Steven Wright has been suspended for 15 games to begin the year, according to Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston. Although Wright is not a prospect, his 15-game suspension, announced on Friday, and a trip to the disabled list after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in his surgically repaired left knee could mean more than just a cup of coffee for Johnson – depending on the health of Eduardo Rodriguez and Drew Pomeranz.

• After a spring training in which Sam Travis led the team in homers (six) and RBI (17), Travis was optioned to Triple-A. His path according to MLB.com’s Ian Browne, seems to be blocked by Mitch Moreland, Hanley Ramirez, and J.D. Martinez

• Matt Collins at Over The Monster takes a look at a busy Saturday for the Red Sox. One piece of news worth noting Boston acquiring Michael Ohlman from the Rangers organization for cash considerations. Ohlman is a 27-year-old catcher who has bounced around a few different organizations, spending the vast majority of his professional career in the minors. The former 11th round pick of the Orioles did come up to play in seven major-league games for the Blue Jays last year and he had one single in 13 plate appearances. In 518 career plate appearances at Triple-A Ohlman has a .758 OPS. 

• Former Sox prospect Bryce Brentz has been claimed off of waivers by the New York Mets. The 29-year-old outfielder was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in February but didn’t last long with the Pirates.

• The Red Sox sent Deven Marrero to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday the team announced. Trading Marrero allows Boston to roster both Brock Holt and Blake Swihart.

• In the most recent SoxProspects podcast, Chris and Ian previewed the staff trip to Fort Myers while talking about a wide array of topics, including the lack of power in the system. 

• Don’t forget to follow @SoxProspects on Twitter to stay up-to-date on the staff's annual trip to the backfields of Fort Myers.

Photo Credit: Marcus Walden by Kelly O'Connor

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