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Mata is out of minor-league options, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.
As such, the Red Sox will need to trade the right-hander or designate him for assignment if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster. Mata has thrown only 110 minor-league innings across the last two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2021. He opened 2023 as a member of the rotation at Triple-A Worcester before further injuries set in. Upon his return in September, he moved to the bullpen. That's a role the organization feels might be a better fit for Mata, who will need to improve his control to win a big-league job this spring. Justin Slaten, a Rule 5 selection, also needs to be kept on the major-league roster all season, and the Red Sox may not have room for both.
