BOSTON — The three-catcher situation lasted exactly one day.
The Red Sox placed catcher Blake Swihart on the 15-day disabled list with a foot injury before Friday’s game against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. The move was one of several made by Boston, as outfielder Shane Victorino was activated from the 15-day DL, outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket and right-handed reliever Noe Ramirez was selected to the active roster.
Swihart dealt with a foot injury that kept him out of the lineup for three consecutive games June 21 through June 24. The 23-year-old initially avoided the DL, but he continued to battle the ailment. With catcher Ryan Hanigan returning Thursday, the Red Sox finally could afford to ease up on the rookie.
“(Swihart) had been playing with some pain, as we know,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said before Friday’s game. “The injury that he suffered to that small left toe is obviously still there.
“We kind of took a short cut initially to get him back in the lineup. But we’re afforded the ability to give him some added rest right now.”
Catcher Sandy Leon is out of minor league options, so placing Swihart on the DL also ensures the 26-year-old will remain with the organization. Leon hasn’t provided much at the plate this season, but he has been solid defensively and has developed an excellent rapport with Clay Buchholz.
Farrell was impressed with what he saw from Swihart in the young backstop’s first major league stint. The highly touted prospect definitely showed flashes of his potential, particularly offensively.
“He did an excellent job, for being as young as he is and as inexperienced (as he is) at the big league level,” Farrell said. “This is a very good young player. But he needs some time right now.”
Victorino hasn’t played since May 23 because of a calf injury. He’s expected to return to the starting lineup Saturday, though he is available for Friday’s series opener against Houston. It’s safe to say the Red Sox will deploy a platoon in right field with the left-handed-hitting Alejandro De Aza swinging a hot bat of late, but Farrell didn’t rule out Victorino also playing against some right-handed starters.
Ramirez, a fourth-round pick in 2011, posted a 2.42 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in 16 relief appearances spanning 26 innings with Pawtucket this season. The 25-year-old owned a 2.15 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP and 18 saves in 42 relief appearances spanning 67 innings last season with Double-A Portland.
The Red Sox needed to make room on the 40-man roster to facilitate Ramirez’s selection. Thus, right-hander Zeke Spruill was designated for assignment.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
