November 18th was the deadline for major league teams to add players to the 40-man roster in order to protect them from December's Rule 5 draft. With limited space available, the Red Sox made a number of moves in order to free up the space to add three pitchers: right-handers
David Sandlin and
Tyler Uberstine and lefty
Shane Drohan. The team made four trades and designated
Nathaniel Lowe and
Josh Winckowski for assignment as part of the back-of-roster reshuffle.
Players added to 40-man roster:
A hard-throwing 24-year-old right-hander, Sandlin (pictured, left) has long been considered the most likely person to be protected. Acquired in spring training 2024 in a deal for reliever John Schneider, Sandlin worked mostly as a starter before an August 2025 transition to the bullpen. He pitched well with Portland, posting a 3.61 ERA and striking out 86 batters in 82 1/3. Inconsistent command and a higher-effort delivery led to some bullpen risk, though with the hope that his fastball/slider mix would play up in the role. With an eye toward a potential late-season call-up, Sandlin was moved to the pen after his promotion to Worcester, but it proved a tough transition. In 23 2/3 innings he allowed 22 runs on 36 hits, walking 13 against 21 strikeouts. With three option years to play with, it's possible that he may continue to see work as a starter, but given the pitching depth in the high minors a bullpen role for 2026 is more likely.
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