The final day of Spring Training saw the Boston Red Sox lose to the Chicago Cubs 16-7 but starting on Thursday, March 28th the games count for real as the Boston Red Sox begin the defense of the 2018 World Series Championship in Seattle against the Mariners.

Tuesday, Manager Alex Cora set his starting rotation. Chris Sale will pitch Thursday, followed by Nathan Eovaldi on Friday, Eduardo Rodriguez on Saturday and Rick Porcello will pitch on Sunday. David Price will get the start on Monday when the Red Sox play the Oakland A's in the start of a 4 game series.

Meanwhile the Red Sox set their roster, waiving Sandy Leon. Leon cleared waivers and is expected to accept an assignment at Triple A Pawtucket. He has 48 hours to decide on whether to take an outright assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket or become a free agent.

Steve Pearce, the right handed batting first baseman will start the season on the disabled list. He hasn't played since injuring his calf on March 17th. Taking his place on the roster will be Sam Travis, who will likely platoon with Mitch Moreland until Pearce is ready to play.

With Dustin Pedroia starting on the disabled list, the Red Sox will carry 13 pitchers. The last pitcher added was Colten Brewer.

The Red Sox opening day roster is

CATCHERS
Christian Vazquez
Blake Swihart

INFIELDERS
Mitch Moreland
Eduardo Nunez
Brock Holt
Xander Bogaerts
Rafael Devers
Sam Travis

OUTFIELDERS
Andrew Benintendi
Jackie Bradley Jr.
Mookie Betts
J.D. Martinez

STARTING PITCHERS
Chris Sale
David Price
Rick Porcello
Nathan Eovaldi
Eduardo Rodriguez

RELIEF PITCHERS
Matt Barnes
Colten Brewer
Ryan Brasier
Heath Hembree
Tyler Thornburg
Brian Johnson
Brandon Workman
Hector Velazquez

You can hear every Red Sox game on AM 1370 WDEA. Thursday night's pregame begins at 6:05PM with the 1st pitch at 7:05PM

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