From savior to expendable: How improved outfield depth led the Red Sox to let Marlon Byrd go

The Red Sox kept Darnell McDonald on the roster over Marlon Byrd. (AP)

When the Red Sox traded for Marlon Byrd in mid-April, they were looking for someone to help fill the gaping holes in the outfield where players like Carl Crawford or Jacoby Ellsbury would have been if they were healthy.

Byrd stepped in and was at times a solid member of the Red Sox lineup, hitting .270/.286/.320 in 34 games, but he was designated for assignment following Friday’s game in order to clear a roster spot on the