Top catching prospect Ryan Lavarnway has been optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket to begin the season. The move helps the Red Sox get closer to the 25-man opening day roster.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington. The move does not come as a surprise, as Cherington had stated previously that he would not carry three catchers on the roster.
Lavarnway will likely get a large portion of time behind the plate at Pawtucket to work on his defense. He hit .429 with .488 on-base percentage in 40 at-bats this spring.
