3 Red Sox players who won’t be on the roster by September 1

3) Red Sox roster has seen enough of Josh Winckowski

Josh Winckowski has had some far greater ups than the other two players on this list. However, in favor of a returning player from injury or maybe even a different starting pitcher option, Winckowski could see himself demoted back to the minors by September 1.

Someone like Kutter Crawford could make his way into the starting rotation over Winckowski. A little older and more productive overall this season, he’s definitely a contender. We should also keep our eyes out for anyone on the IL or on the 40-man roster in the minor leaguers. Any of them could take Winckowski’s roster spot.

When rosters do expand in September 1, it will be interesting to see how the Red Sox handle things. They aren’t quite in full tank mode. Do they even bother letting Chris Sale or Michael Wacha pitch again? It can’t hurt them with Wacha, who is signed to only a one-year deal and set to hit free agency after the season ends.

Boston doesn’t have to make any huge decisions when it comes to Winckowski, Crawford, or any other younger arm they have tested this season. With Winckowski, he seems to be trending in the wrong direction. It may take only a temporary demotion, even if only because they don’t have enough room on the team plane, before he’s back.