Red Sox Send Elite Prospect Down To Minor Leagues; Could He Be Back In Boston In 2023?

Who will pitch for the Red Sox in 2023?

The Boston Red Sox certainly are busy with Opening Day right around the corner. 

Boston will have to make some very tough roster decisions ahead of its March 30th opener against the Baltimore Orioles. The Red Sox will have to cut its active roster down to 26 people and they already are getting a head start on it. 

The club announced that they optioned top pitching prospect Bryan Mata to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox and left-handed pitcher Ryan Sherriff to minor league camp on Sunday afternoon, according to the team. 

The #RedSox today announced the following roster moves:
 
RHP Bryan Mata was optioned to Triple-A Worcester.
 
LHP Ryan Sherriff was reassigned to minor league camp.

— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 12, 2023

Mata -- although he was sent down to Worcester -- was one of the most impressive pitchers in Red Sox camp so far in spring training. The 23-year-old made four appearances in Grapefruit League action for Boston this spring and didn't allow a run in seven innings pitched and allowed just four hits. Mata struck out six batters to go along with three walks. 

He may not start the season with the big league club, but Mata likely will find his way to Boston in the not-so-distant future. The young hurler is Boston's seventh-ranked prospect and already is entering his sixth professional season.

Mata began his professional career with the Red Sox's Dominican Summer League team in 2016 after being signed as an international free agent. The youngster has dealt with some injuries, but has made his way up Boston's farm system and was promoted to Worcester in 2022. 

Boston enters 2023 seemingly with a surplus of starting pitching and although Mata likely won't find himself making many starts for the Red Sox this season, he could find his way to the Boston bullpen in a multi-inning role. 

Mata checked the first box and shined for the club in spring training. If he's able to keep it up at the Triple-A level, it may not be long until we see him at Fenway Park pitching meaningful innings. 

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