BOSTON — First, Christian Vazquez. Now, Ryan Hanigan.
Hanigan, who became Boston’s starting catcher after Vazquez underwent Tommy John surgery toward the end of spring training, is expected to miss significant time after fracturing a finger on his throwing hand during Friday night’s 3-2 loss to the New York Yankees at Fenway Park, according to Red Sox manager John Farrell. The 34-year-old catcher is expected to require surgery.
Hanigan suffered the injury in the seventh inning when a pitch by Red Sox reliever Tommy Layne hit Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira on the wrist and ricocheted off Hanigan’s throwing hand. Hanigan exited the game and was replaced by Sandy Leon, who now figures to see an uptick in playing time.
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Farrell said immediately following Friday’s game the Red Sox would explore both internal and external options to replace Hanigan. But according to multiple reports, Blake Swihart, who is the top catching prospect in Major League Baseball, will be called up from Triple-A Pawtucket before Saturday’s contest.
Hanigan, whom the Red Sox acquired over the offseason from the San Diego Padres in exchange for third baseman Will Middlebrooks, hit .222 in 19 games with Boston before suffering the injury.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
