Red Sox Add Catcher Jonathan Lucroy to Player Pool After Initial Absence
By Jerry Trotta
![Boston Red Sox catcher Jonathan Lucroy Boston Red Sox catcher Jonathan Lucroy](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/New-York-Yankees-v-Boston-Red-Sox-001bd875884aab78c29c6c9e03132d95.jpg)
The Boston Red Sox announced their initial player pool for the 2020 season over the weekend, but only named 47 of a possible 60 players. The reveal featured a surprise omission in catcher Jonathan Lucroy, but it was always speculated that the club would eventually extend an invitation to the two-time All-Star.
Per Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, the Red Sox added Lucroy to their 60-man roster on Thursday after adjusting his contract earlier in the week. He'll serve as a non-roster invitee as players report to Fenway Park for camp.
Red Sox announced they've officially added catcher Jonathan Lucroy to their player pool as a non-roster invitee.
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) July 2, 2020
This was unquestionably the right move by Boston, as Lucroy was enjoying a solid Spring Training before play was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak. In 12 Grapefruit League games, he hit .300 (6-for-20) with seven walks.
The 34-year-old is coming off three injury-plagued seasons, during which he spent time with five different teams. Back in February, the Red Sox signed him to a minor-league deal with an opt-out coming into Spring Training.
The Red Sox on Thursday announced the addition of Jonathan Lucroy to the Club Player Pool. https://t.co/R5nGvQKhZg pic.twitter.com/TKKTzRhg4x
— NESN (@NESN) July 2, 2020
If Lucroy remains healthy and motivated, there's no reason to think that he couldn't beat out Kevin Plawecki, who was also having a nice preseason, as the backup catcher to starter Christian Vazquez.