Red Sox release veteran 1B C.J. Cron

Field Level Media|published: Sun 24th March, 17:29 2024

Aug 11, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman C.J. Cron (25) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) (not pictured) in the second inning at Minute Maid Park. credits: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox released veteran first baseman C.J. Cron on Sunday and informed pitchers Joely Rodriguez and Justin Slaten that they made the Opening Day roster.

The Red Sox open the season at Seattle on Thursday night.

Left-hander Lucas Luetge will begin the season at Triple-A. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sunday there's a good chance that infielder Bobby Dalbec will make the team.

Cron and Rodriguez signed minor league deals with the club with opt-outs if they didn't make the major league roster. Both exercised those opt-outs on Friday, giving the Red Sox until Sunday to make a decision.

Cron, 34, was a free agent after playing last season for the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels. He was limited by back issues and batted a combined .248 with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs in 71 games.

A first-round selection (17th overall) by the Angels in the 2011 MLB Draft, Cron has played 10 seasons for the Angels (2014-17, 2023), Tampa Bay Rays (2018), Minnesota Twins (2019), Detroit Tigers (2020) and Rockies (2021-23).

Rodriguez, 32, appeared in 11 games for the Red Sox in 2023, posting a 6.55 ERA. He made six relief appearances this spring, posting two saves and a 2.57 ERA.

Slaten's first game will mark his major league debut. He went 5-3 with a 2.87 ERA in 40 appearances (one start) between Double-A and Triple-A in 2023.

—Field Level Media

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