The Red Sox optioned utility infielder Nick Sogard to Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.
That means Romy Gonzalez — who recently has dealt with inflammation in the oblique area — is ready physically to be on the Opening Day roster. Gonzalez did not play in Boston’s final six Grapefruit League games.
Opening Day is Thursday. The Red Sox will play against the Rangers at Globe Life Field at 4:05 p.m. eastern.
Sogard, a 27-year-old switch-hitter, was in the running to be Triston Casas’ backup at first base along with filling a utility role. But Gonzalez was always the frontrunner to win the job if healthy.
Sogard went 13-for-52 (.250) with a .339 on-base percentage, .442 slugging percentage, .781 OPS, two homers, four doubles, six RBIs, 13 runs, two steals, seven walks and 16 steals in 26 Grapefruit League games.
Boston’s Opening Day roster is expected include Gonzalez and David Hamilton as the utility infielders. Gonzalez also can play the outfield.
The rest of the infield will include Casas at first, Kristian Campbell at second base, Trevor Story at shortstop and Alex Bregman at third base.
