Red Sox add three pitchers to 40-man roster, shielding them from Rule 5 exposure
The Red Sox selected pitching prospects David Sandlin, Tyler Uberstine, and Shane Drohan to their 40-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s Rule 5 Draft protection deadline.
The addition of Sandlin comes as no surprise and was rumored to be the most likely arm added to the roster. Sandlin, 24, is a hard-throwing righty that can hit triple digits on the radar gun and averaged a 97.1 mph fastball in 2025.
He began the season for Double-A Portland, where he was used as a starter and in a piggyback role, and posted a 3.61 ERA in 17 appearances (13 starts). Sandlin was transitioned to the bullpen in the second half of the season following his promotion to the Triple-A Worcester. He recorded a 7.61 ERA in 23 2/3 innings, allowing 20 earned runs, in 15 outings, making one start for the WooSox.
Sandlin is known for his heater and gained massive attention on X last January when he reached 101 mph and his video was shared by fans on the platform. The righty is one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the Red Sox’ system and quickly became a top pitching prospect following the 2024 trade from the Royals for reliever John Schreiber.
There is plenty to like about Sandlin and his arsenal, and he is expected to transition back as a starter in 2026. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound hurler also offers a slider, sweeper, splitter, and curveball to go along with his high-octane fastball.
Uberstine has been in the Sox’ system since 2021 after being drafted out of Northwestern in the 19th round. The 26-year-old worked his way back to the mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023 and tossed just 4 2/3 frames in 2024. The righty had a big year between the Sea Dogs and WooSox, tossing 120 2/3 innings in 25 outings (21 starts) while recording a 3.58 ERA with 137 strikeouts.
Prior to being selected by the Red Sox, Uberstine wasn’t recruited out of high school. He initially enrolled at USC as a regular student/non-athlete and studied business and tried to play baseball as a walk-on but didn’t make the team and transferred to Northwestern.
Uberstine throws a mid-90s fastball, which has topped out at 95 mph, a brand-new cutter that he added while he was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, a sweeper, and a changeup.
Drohan is already too familiar with the Rule 5 Draft after he was selected by the White Sox in 2023. Chicago returned Drohan back to the Red Sox in June 2024 after he was designated for assignment. When on the mound last season, Drohan was putting together a solid campaign, compiling a 2.27 ERA, 2.85 FIP, and 67 strikeouts to just 16 walks in 47 2/3 innings. Unfortunately, Drohan suffered another injury, missing time due to inflammation in his left forearm. The southpaw operates with a 92-94 mph fastball that can touch 96 mph, a changeup, a curveball, a cutter, and a slider.
The additions of the three pitchers mean the Sox’ 40-man roster is currently full. It will also expose other prospects like righties Yordanny Monegro and Jedixson Paez and lefties Hayden Mullins and Eduardo Rivera, as well as outfielders Miguel Bleis and Allan Castro, for the Rule 5 Draft next month.
