Bobby Valentine Has No Plans to Make Pedro Ciriaco a Full-Time Starter, but Hints That Roster Spot is Safe

by Didier Morais on Sun, Jul 29, 2012 at 8:41PM

NEW YORK –– Pedro Ciriaco is enjoying a career year. After thriving in Pawtucket, the utility infielder has been a key contributor to the Red Sox, hitting .356 with seven RBIs and six steals.

Ciriaco –– a shortstop by nature –– has especially torched the Yankees this season, going 10-for-18 (.556) with seven runs and five RBIs in four games. He also ripped the go-ahead RBI in Saturday's 8-6 win.

While starting shortstop Mike Aviles is battling through a 1-for-18 slump and a toe injury, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said he has no plans to make Ciriaco a full-time starter.

"You’re seeing him at his best and obviously every player has some flaws," Valentine said of Ciriaco. "I don’t necessarily see him as a starting player every day, but he can do it if we need him to."

Due to his versatility and torrid hitting, Ciriaco likely has a stranglehold on a roster spot moving forward. "I think he’s going to be a contributing factor all year long," Valentine said.

If the Red Sox were to ever designate him for assignment, they'd risk exposing him to waivers, considering Ciriaco doesn't have any options in his contract.

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