Red Sox announce first round of spring roster cuts

The Red Sox have made their first round of roster cuts after nearly three weeks of camp.

The club announced Friday morning that it has optioned right-hander Luis Perales and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia to minor league camp, and that it has also re-assigned left-hander Jovani Moran and right-handers Robert Stock, Brian Van Belle and Jacob Webb, all non-roster invitees, to minor league camp as well.

None of the players moved to minor league camp were considered likely contenders for the big league roster. Garcia is one of the club’s top prospects but has never played above Double-A and will most likely start the season in Portland. Perales is expected to miss the entire season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Van Belle and Webb were both Red Sox minor leaguers who finished last year at Triple-A, and Moran and Stock were each recent acquisitions who were competing for a spot but who faced stiff competition amid a much deeper Red Sox pitching staff.

More cuts are expected over the next week or so as the Red Sox work their way towards the eventual 26-man Opening Day roster.