Papelbon to Close; Sox Announce Roster Moves

It was announced last week that Jon Papelbon would be returning to the role he thrived in last year. Apparently Papelbon requested the move. As a fan, I'm a little disappointed that we did not get to see Papelbon as a starter. However, he provides some stability to an otherwise shaky bullpen.

The Red Sox also announced today that Bryan Corey and Craig Hansen were sent to the minor leagues. I felt like Corey deserved a chance at the last spot given how well he's pitched this spring. The news of these moves means that there is only one spot left on the Red Sox 25-man roster. The spot will likely be occupied by LHP Javier Lopez or RHP Manny Delcarmen. The winner of this spot will likely be sent down upon the return of Mike Timlin from the disabled list. It was also announced that Kyle Snyder made the team, and deservedly so. He will pitch out of the bullpen for the time being.

Here is the rest of the 25-man roster as it stands today:

SS Julio Lugo
1B Kevin Youkilis
DH David Ortiz
LF Manny Ramirez
RF JD Drew
3B Mike Lowell
C Jason Varitek
CF Coco Crisp
2B Dustin Pedroia
BN Wily Mo Pena
BN Eric Hinske
BN Alex Cora
BN Doug Mirabelli
SP Curt Schilling
SP Josh Beckett
SP Daisuke Matsuzaka
SPTim Wakefield
SPJulian Tavarez
RP Jon Papelbon
RP Joel Pineiro
RP Hideki Okajima
RP JC Romero
RP Kyle Snyder
RP Brendan Donnelly
RP Manny Delcarmen/Javier Lopez