Red Sox Going With Three Catchers In Ryan Hanigan’s Return From Injury

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The Boston Red Sox will keep three catchers on their active roster. For now, at least.

The Red Sox activated Ryan Hanigan from the 60-day disabled list before Thursday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Boston optioned right-handed reliever Jonathan Aro to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room for the veteran backstop, meaning both Blake Swihart and Sandy Leon will remain with the Red Sox for the time being.

It’s unclear how long the Red Sox will proceed with three catchers. They might need to make another roster move as soon as Friday, though, as outfielder Shane Victorino is nearing his return from the disabled list. Victorino has been on the DL since May 24 with a calf injury.

Red Sox manager John Farrell immediately inserted Hanigan into the starting lineup Thursday. Hanigan fractured a knuckle on his throwing hand May 1 and underwent surgery the next day.

Hanigan, who was acquired from the San Diego Padres over the offseason in exchange for third baseman Will Middlebrooks, is hitting .222 with a homer, five RBIs and a .354 on-base percentage in 19 games in his first season with Boston.

Aro made his major league debut last Thursday. The 24-year-old appeared in three games with Boston, posting an 11.57 ERA (six earned runs over 4 2/3 innings) and a 2.57 WHIP.

Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images