Ex-Red Sox Slugger Reportedly Sent a Disastrous Message Down to Alex Cora Explaining….
Mata’s throwing has been suspended in the meantime due to a sore hamstring, according to manager Alex Cora.
Cora stated on Sunday morning, “He’s got a pulled hammy,” though she wasn’t sure which hamstring was the problem. “The news just reached me.”
After having Tommy John surgery a few seasons prior, Mata is out of options and will either need to make the main league roster or be placed on waivers in order to be sent back down to the lower leagues. He is essentially in the same predicament as Justin Slaten, the Red Sox’s December acquisition of Rule 5 choice Justin Slaten. Slaten must also make the squad or be added to the waiver list.
Mata, a Venezuelan international free agent, has been in the Red Sox system for the last eight seasons. He was only able to make nine appearances at Worcester last year. In October and November of last year, he also pitched for the Arizona Fall League.
Mata won’t have as many chances to contend for a spot in Grapefruit League play now that he is injured.
He might begin the season on the Red Sox’s Injured List, but if and when he’s cleared physically, he’ll need to be added to the 26-man roster or put up for waivers.
