FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell said Monday’s signing of veteran outfielder David Murphy has nothing to do with any doubts about whether Rusney Castillo can handle the left-field job.
“This has nothing to do with Rusney,” Farrell said. “This is about David Murphy, a left-handed hitter, a veteran guy who understands that role and who was available to us. He’s here to provide depth and certainly compete for a spot on this team.”
Castillo, who battled the flu for most of last week, did not play in Monday's doubleheader against Boston College and Northeastern and will not play in the Grapefruit League opener Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins at JetBlue Park, but is expected to play in Thursday night’s game against the Twins at Hammond Stadium.