WooSox catcher Chris Herrmann excited to join Red Sox for upcoming road trip

WORCESTER — The WooSox had just completed batting practice Wednesday afternoon at Polar Park, and while the rest of the players exited the field and returned to the clubhouse, veteran catcher Chris Herrmann stood near the dugout and gazed around the facility. 

“I’ve had a lot of fun playing for the WooSox in the first season here,” he said.

It was evident the 33-year-old backstop was contemplating his future, not only with the Red Sox organization, but also in this game. A veteran of 370 major league games, he signed with the Red Sox as a minor league free agent in February. Herrmann hasn’t played as much as he wanted to this season in Worcester, but he’s been an important teammate for the younger players.

Since the Red Sox are beginning a six-game road trip to Chicago and Seattle, Boston will take Herrmann, pitchers Connor Seabold and Kaleb Ort, and infielder Jack Lopez as part of the taxi squad.

Herrmann has played 47 games for Worcester this season and has posted a .224 average with seven home runs and 20 RBIs.

“It’s a good thing,” he said of being part of the upcoming taxi squad. “Obviously, the past month, or two, has been pretty chaotic with the COVID outbreak, so you never know. (Red Sox) are making sure they have all the guys that they need just in case another outbreak happens. I’ve just got to do my best to stay ready for the opportunity and see what happens.”

When Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale made his rehab starts for the WooSox this season, he made it a point to mention Herrmann’s professionalism and ability to work the plate.

“He’s got some big-league time. He’s been around a while, and he knows what he’s doing back there,” Sale said. “I appreciate that.”

There were different points of Sale’s rehab starts here when he started to go off the rails a bit, but Herrmann made sure to help his batterymate settle down and regain focus, which is an important aspect of the rehab pitching process.

“It’s great to hear compliments like that. It’s good to know having that big-league experience and helping pitchers get through baseball games doesn’t go unnoticed,” Herrmann said. “I’m honored that Chris would have such good things to say about me like that.”

Even though Herrmann will be with the Red Sox taxi squad, he understands he’s a step closer to returning to the big leagues.

“I’m going to enjoy it,” he said. “I love Worcester, it’s a great place, but the big leagues is obviously better. Even if I’m on the taxi squad I’m still fortunate, still thankful to be here. I’m going to make the best of it.”

—Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey.