Usually a minor occurrence on the on the baseball calendar, the Rule 5 Draft protection deadline saw the Boston Red Sox make six total moves. Boston had multiple players eligible who were likely to be picked by other teams, but analysts with knowledge of the farm thought one or two at most would be protected. The Sox ended up protecting three prospects: pitchers David Sandlin, Shane Drohan, and Tyler Uberstine.
To make room to protect the three, the Sox designated Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Winkowski for assignment. Both were projected to be non-tendered anyway in a few days, so this came as no surprise.