Boston Red Sox rumors: AJ Pierzynski released
By Bryan Rose
The Boston Red Sox came into the season stocked with veteran talent and hopes of competing for a playoff birth. However, thanks to sub-par play and injuries, the Red Sox are now among the worst teams in baseball (at least record wise) and are said to be in the process of kicking off a youth movement.
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Given that, it shouldn’t exactly be shocking that the Boston Red Sox designated AJ Pierzynski for assignment today, all but ending his tenure in Beantown.
With just four homers and 31 RBI on top of a .254 batting average, the veteran catcher wasn’t getting the job done offensively or defensively and was of little service to the Red Sox at this point. I’m sure the Red Sox called around in hopes of finding a willing trade partner, but thanks to the $3.6 million dollars remaining on his deal such a move couldn’t be found. Their last course of action was to release the 37-year-old catcher who is a few years removed from being what you’d call effective.
He’s obviously not going to accept a minor league assignment, so he’ll be a free agent in a matter of days. A team desperate for catching help may take a flier on the veteran, though likely in a backup role.
To replace his spot on the roster, the Boston Red Sox called up 23-year-old backstop Christian Vazquez who has performed well at Triple-A Pawtuckett, though isn’t much of an offensive talent.
Still, he’s an immediate upgrade over Pierzynski outside of veteran know-how.