NESN

Pedro Ciriaco Sent Down to Triple-A Pawtucket, Still ‘Very Happy’ About Sensational Spring

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Pedro Ciriaco's sensational spring ride is over. The shortstop told NESN.com that he is headed to Pawtucket and won't be making the trip with the Red Sox to Detroit.

"[Bobby Valentine] told me they had to use a spot for a pitcher, to keep working and that I had a good spring training," Ciriaco said. "I feel fine. I'm very happy with the spring training that I had. I'm going to keep working where they want me to play in Triple-A."

Ciriaco turned heads in spring training, finishing with a .419 batting average. The highlight of the 26-year-old's tenure in Fort Myers was when he blasted a game-winning, two-run shot over the JetBlue Park Green Monster to give Boston a 5-3 win over the Miami Marlins on March 12.

If thumb injuries didn't derail Andrew Bailey and Josh Beckett, Ciriaco would have likely competed against Jason Repko and Nate Spears to earn a roster spot as a utility man. Instead, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine is opting to go with a pitcher.

"There’s definitely going to be a guy or two that should've, could've, would've made this team if [injuries] didn't happen," Valentine said before Tuesday's 8-7 win over the Nationals.

Ciriaco's sights are on getting to Boston, but for now, he's prepared to showcase his skills in Pawtucket.

"I'm going to stay positive," Ciriaco said. "First I have to do a good job in [Pawtucket] and then we'll see. I have to work, whatever happens, happens."

After playing second base, shortstop, third base and outfield in spring training, Ciriaco said he wants to capitalize on his versatility in Triple-A.

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