Atchison needed a moment for that to sink in. He has played parts of three seasons in the majors but never left spring camp with a team before.
“When you’ve never made one, until they tell you you’re making it for sure, it’s hard to believe,’’ he said.
The final spot in the bullpen went to lefthander Scott Schoeneweis. That announcement will come today, but team sources said last night that Schoeneweis was chosen ahead of righthander Joe Nelson.
Lefthander Alan Embree, a veteran of the Red Sox’ 2004 championship team, was assigned to the minor league camp and agreed after some thought to report to Pawtucket. Nelson is expected to pitch at Pawtucket as well.
Francona, general manger Theo Epstein, pitching coach John Farrell, and other team executives discussed whether to keep Nelson or Schoeneweis after yesterday’s 5-3 victory over the Twins.
That decision was much tougher than selecting Atchison.
The Sox signed Atchison in early December, a transaction that passed without much notice. But he had been one of the best relievers in Japan, posting a 1.70 ERA in 75 appearances for the Hanshin Tigers last season and allowing only 60 hits over 90 innings.
The Sox originally signed Atchison in 2007 but allowed him out of a minor league deal when the more lucrative opportunity arose overseas.
“We followed him,’’ Epstein said. “[Scouts] Jon Deeble, Craig Shipley, both those guys did a real good job with Atchison. We thought, despite his age and his strange journey, that he could be a useful guy.’’
Atchison sharpened the command of his slider while in Japan, giving him a strong second pitch to go with his cut fastball. His 1.50 ERA in 10 spring appearances only confirmed what the Sox thought all along.
“His regular season started about a month ago, and he knew it,’’ said Francona. “But he did a good job. He attacks the strike zone with all his pitches. I don’t think we see that changing.’’
Embree, who signed March 20, has not pitched well since arriving in camp. But the Sox encouraged him to go to the minors.
“We saw enough fastballs down in the zone, that he drove down in the zone. We know it’s there,’’ Francona said. “In fairness to everybody, it was probably a long shot to have him be ready. I think he knows that.’’
