Red Sox Waive Kotsay to Make Room for LaRoche

With Wednesday's acquisition of Adam LaRoche, it was no secret that the Red Sox needed to open a spot for him on the roster. Unfortunately for Mark Kotsay, he's the one heading elsewhere.

The Sox officially placed Kotsay on waivers on Friday, making any team is free to claim him. If no team does so after 48 hours, the Red Sox can either release him or assign him to the minors.

A 13-year veteran, Kotsay, 33, came to the Red Sox last August in a trade for minor leaguer Luis Sumoza. In 22 games last season, Kotsay hit .226 before moving into the starting lineup in the postseason, where he batted .250. This season, he's played in 19 games at first base and nine games in the outfield.

The Red Sox will lose Kotsay's versatility, as LaRoche has never played any position in the field other than first base.