Red Sox Roster Moves: Pedro Ciriaco To Get Promoted Over Jose Iglesias

Help is on the way for the Red Sox infield.  Well, okay, maybe not the name many were expecting when we learnt that Pedro Ciriaco will likely get the call to the big club today to help battle those pesky Yankees in a four game series.  According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, Ciriaco will take Dustin Pedroia‘s spot when the second baseman lands on the DL.

A move on the 40-man roster will have to be made so Ciriaco can be activated which makes the move a little puzzling considering Jose Iglesias is currently on the active roster.  Why not promote the offensively challenged shortstop?  I may have answered my own question right there.

Ciriaco is hitting .301 in Pawtucket this season while Iglesias is batting a modest .254.  Ciriaco’s slugging is .401 compared to .294 of Iglesias.  Ciriaco has 4 home runs and 21 RBI while Iglesias has 1 long ball and 14 RBI.  See a pattern here?  Given the current lineup that could feature Nick Punto who doesn’t hit his weight, adding Ciriaco’s bat isn’t a bad idea even though Iglesias excels on the defensive side of the ball.

Abraham mentions that Ciriaco could start tonight at second base, although that is yet to be determined.

During spring training Ciriaco made quite the impression on the Red Sox brass, hitting .419 through 43 at-bats including one home run and 8 RBI.

Pete Abe also reports that outfielder Scott Podsednik is ready to rejoin the Red Sox after a successful rehab stint. Another  move will need to be made to make room for Podsednik.  Ryan Kalish could be sent down and Brent Lillibridge appears to be expendable given his limited playing time since being acquired for Kevin Youkilis from Chicago.

Stay tuned to BSI as we’ll update the roster moves as they happen.