The Boston Red Sox are ready to unleash Christian Vazquez.
Vazquez was in Boston for Thursday’s off-day and will rejoin the Red Sox before Friday’s series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, according to multiple reports.
The 25-year-old catcher spent the early part of this season with Triple-A Pawtucket, where he went 6-for-13 with a double and seven walks in five rehab games. Vazquez began the 2016 season on the 15-day disabled list after missing all of last season following Tommy John surgery.
Vazquez impressed the Red Sox with his defensive aptitude and his leadership during his first taste of major league action in 2014. He hit just .240 with a home run, 20 RBIs and a .308 on-base percentage but gained the trust of several pitchers on Boston’s staff in his 55 games with the club.
The Red Sox have an open roster spot after optioning outfielder Rusney Castillo to Pawtucket following Wednesday night’s win over the Baltimore Orioles. They could roll with three catchers for the time being, though it’d be interesting to see how manager John Farrell divvies up the playing time between Vazquez, starting backstop Blake Swihart and veteran backup Ryan Hanigan.
Swihart has struggled defensively to this point, raising questions about whether the Red Sox should consider optioning him to the minors for more seasoning or trying him at a different position.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
