Major League Baseball teams are granted 28 roster spots during the month of September. Until Sunday, the Boston Red Sox were essentially using only 27.

Boston was carrying three catchers on its active roster, though the average fan may not have known it based on lineups. Ali Sánchez, a 28-year-old journeyman claimed off waivers in August, maintained a roster spot all month entering Sunday.

However, despite taking up one of just 14 spots for position players, Sánchez had virtually no role.

Sánchez was first activated on Aug. 11, designated for assignment a week later, claimed by the New York Mets, then traded back to the Red Sox on Aug. 31. He was on the roster for each of the team’s first 17 games this month, but he played a grand total of three innings.

At long last, the Red Sox designated Sánchez for assignment on Sunday to facilitate the return of outfielder Wilyer Abreu from the 10-day injured list.

In all the time he was on the roster, Sánchez received exactly two at-bats (and plate appearances). Both came in blowouts, and one was against Houston Astros position player Chas McCormick.

The other 13 active players on Boston’s active roster had all received at least 29 at-bats in the past 30 days entering Sunday.

It’s good to be prepared for all scenarios, but as their offense struggled all month long, it was hard for the Red Sox to justify having a player on their bench who they essentially didn’t trust in any meaningful spot.

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