Red Sox make a surprising move by choosing a pitcher.

When Chris Murphy suffered an elbow injury last week, Brennan Bernardino became the only healthy left-handed pitcher on the Red Sox’s active roster.

However, Bernardino’s time with the team has ended as he was optioned to Triple-A Worcester late Monday night, just three days before the team’s Opening Day game in Seattle. Manager Alex Cora described this move as the “most difficult roster decision of the spring” and expressed his expectation for Bernardino to contribute at the major league level during the season.

Despite this move, the Red Sox are expected to have a left-handed option in the bullpen for their season opener at T-Mobile Park. Joely Rodríguez has reportedly secured a roster spot after triggering the opt-out clause in his contract last Friday. Rodríguez, who pitched 11 innings for the Red Sox last season, is set to be the club’s lone left-handed pitcher in the bullpen to start the season.

Bernardino proved to be a valuable relief asset for Boston last season, posting a 3.20 ERA over 50 2/3 innings. This marked a breakout campaign for the journeyman, who had only 2 1/3 innings of big league experience before 2023.

The Red Sox will kick off their season opener on Thursday evening at T-Mobile Park, with full coverage available on NESN starting at 8:30 p.m. ET.