Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek played in his first rehab game for the Pawtucket Red Sox on Sunday, edging ever closer to rejoining the big league club.
Varitek went 1-for-2 picking up an RBI on a sacrifice fly, and also threw out a runner trying to steal second base. He’s scheduled to DH against the Syracuse Chiefs on Monday, and could return to Boston shortly thereafter.
The Red Sox’ starting catcher for much of the past thirteen seasons, Varitek had assumed a back-up role this year with Victor Martinez as the starter.
Varitek had been thriving in his new role, hitting .263 with seven home runs in just 95 at-bats, but he broke his foot on July 2, just a few days after Martinez himself went on the DL with a broken thumb.
Varitek, who had not appeared in a game since the injury until today, is set to become a free agent after the season.
