Overview
- Kahnle has a June 1 opt-out in his minor-league deal and has told people he will elect free agency if the Red Sox do not add him to the major-league roster by Monday.
- The 11-year veteran has dominated Triple-A Worcester this season, allowing three earned runs in 19 1/3 innings with a 14-game scoreless streak and strong strikeout rates.
- To promote Kahnle the Red Sox must both select his contract and open a 26-man roster spot and a 40-man roster spot, a process that can include moving an injured player to the 60-day injured list.
- Reporters have identified optionable relievers such as Tyler Samaniego and Greg Weissert, along with Justin Slaten’s limited availability, as the likeliest roster casualties if Boston promotes Kahnle.
- The decision is sharpened by bullpen context — Garrett Whitlock is on the injured list and some relievers have struggled — so promoting Kahnle could immediately bolster late-inning depth or lead him to sign elsewhere if passed over.