Overview
- Interim manager Chad Tracy said Wednesday the Red Sox are “considering” recalling Braiden Ward for a bench role focused on pinch-running and late-inning defense.
- Ward has stolen 60 bases for Triple-A Worcester this season and has been successful on about 87 percent of his attempts, but he has not played in the major leagues.
- Ward is not on Boston’s 40-man roster so adding him would require designating players for assignment or moving someone to the 60-day injured list to free a roster spot.
- The push to add a speed specialist grew after backup outfielder Eli White went on the 10-day injured list with a right-foot ligament injury and could miss the start of the playoffs.
- Including Ward would be uncommon because few players debut in the postseason, and the move would shape Boston’s October bench balance as injured players return and roster decisions tighten.