Grady Sizemore’s feel-good comeback story with the Boston Red Sox came to an end Tuesday, as the team designated him for assignment.
After missing the past two seasons with knee and back injuries, 31-year-old Sizemore played 52 games for the Red Sox. But after a promising showing at spring training, the outfielder struggled mightily at the plate, hitting .216 with two homers and 15 RBIs.
The Red Sox recalled third baseman Garin Cecchini from Triple-A Pawtucket to fill Sizemore’s roster spot.
This marks the second trip to the majors for Cecchini, who made his big league debut with the Red Sox on June 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 21-year-old went 2-for-4 with a double. He was hitting .263 with two home runs and a team-leading 56 hits in 62 games for Pawtucket this season.
Brock Holt, who moved into Sizemore’s locker Tuesday afternoon, will start in center field against the Minnesota Twins.
UPDATE (2:15 p.m.):Â The Red Sox officially released Sizemore, the team announced Wednesday. The move comes just one day after designating him for assignment, and allows him to seek out a new deal with a team sooner, rather than wait the standard 10 days.
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