Hector

Almonte

Almonte was designated for assignment but the Red Sox last week.

Almonte struggled while with the Red Sox, but with his mid-90s fastball, he isn’t a bad risk. If he does well his first few times out, it won’t be long before he takes over as one of the team’s top setup men.

Almonte probably should have made the Red Sox out of spring training. He had a 1.78 ERA and nine saves as Pawtucket’s closer, giving up 16 hits and posting a 28/6 K/BB ratio in 26 innings. He could be an asset in short relief, but there’s no reason to pick him up right now.

And Blake Stein survives a second round of cuts. Almonte allowed two runs in three innings this spring. Allen was unable to compete for a job as a reserve because of a leg injury.

Almonte had a 6.83 ERA in 28 relief appearances after joining the Expos at midseason. Now a free agent, he’ll have to settle for a minor league contract.

Almonte had a 7.12 ERA in 35 relief appearances for the Red Sox and Expos last season. He’s going to have a difficult time winning a spot in the Pittsburgh bullpen.

Blaine Neal had hit David Ortiz with a pitch in the previous inning. Almonte should be suspended, but since he’s the top candidate to be sent down when Chad Fox returns, he might not be around to serve it.

Almonte has looked pretty good this spring and might have won a bullpen spot on a weaker team. He could close for Pawtucket.

Almonte had an 8.22 ERA in seven relief appearances for Boston.