The Boston Red Sox surprisingly optioned left-hander Brennan Bernardino to Triple-A Worcester on Monday night. Bernardino was the team's top left-hander all of last year and one of their biggest success stories. Coming into spring training, he was widely considered a lock to make the Opening Day roster. He appeared in 55 games in 2023 and had a 3.20 ERA over 50 2/3 frames. This spring, he didn't allow a single run in seven Grapefruit League appearances. The move to send Bernardino to the minors was made to preserve roster flexibility given that he has minor-league options remaining. Although the 32-year-old southpaw reliever won't start the year in Beantown, Bernardino will surely join their bullpen at some point in 2024.