FORT MYERS — If recent performance matters, Heath Hembree and Fernando Abad should feel uncomfortable.
But whether recent performance actually matters to the Red Sox isn’t so clear. If the team lets minor league options dictate the bullpen, the seven spots appear set.
Craig Kimbrel, Tyler Thornburg, Joe Kelly and Robbie Ross Jr. are there if healthy. Matt Barnes was important enough last season that, even though he has minor league options and had a rough August, it’s hard to see him anywhere but Fenway Park at the outset.
Hembree and the bust of the trade deadline, Abad, probably will be there, too, because they’re out of options.