Alex Cora Explains Why Red Sox Sent Down Emmanuel Valdez

The Boston Red Sox made a series of roster moves Tuesday afternoon, including sending second baseman Emmanuel Valdez down to Triple-A Worcester. To replace Valdez, Boston called up infielder Jamie Westbrook. The Red Sox were projected to face three left-handed starters back-to-back with the Oakland Athletics’ J.P. Sears on Wednesday, Hogan Harris on Thursday and […]

The Boston Red Sox made a series of roster moves Tuesday afternoon, including sending second baseman Emmanuel Valdez down to Triple-A Worcester. To replace Valdez, Boston called up infielder Jamie Westbrook.

The Red Sox were projected to face three left-handed starters back-to-back with the Oakland Athletics’ J.P. Sears on Wednesday, Hogan Harris on Thursday and the Kansas City Royals’ Cole Ragans on Friday night. 

Despite Harris being shifted to paternity leave and a right-handed pitcher now getting the start on Thursday, the Red Sox opted to swap Valdez out with a right-handed hitter.

“It’s where we’re at this week. We face three lefties,” Cora told reporters before the change of pitchers, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “I think this is the first time this season that’s happened. We made that switch. Obviously, no promises when you send somebody down but (Valdez is) a part of this. He’ll go down there and get his at-bats and we’ll see what the future holds.”

The second baseman has struggled recently, batting .226 with a .282 on-base percentage and 26 RBIs. Meanwhile, Westbrook’s numbers with Worcester have popped out with a .282 batting average and eight home runs, specifically thriving against left-handed pitchers.

Valdez will have to stay with Worcester for at least 10 days before being recalled back to Boston.

The Red Sox will face the A’s at Fenway Park at 7:10 p.m. ET with all coverage on NESN.