Red Sox Victorino returns, Swihart to DL, JBJ sent down

The Red Sox today made several roster moves.  To solve the logjam at the catcher position, the team put Blake Swihart on the 15 day DL with a sprained foot that he initially injured on June 22 sliding in to third base, though he has started three games since then.  This was the reason Erik Kratz spent a few days with the team but was designated for assignment before getting into a game.

Shane Victorino was activated from the 15 day DL.  He last played in the majors on May 23. In 20 games this season, Victorino has posted a .255/.379/.345 batting line with a homer and three RBI, along with stealing three bases.  For tonight, Alejandro De Aza remains in the lineup but he will have to split time with Victorino depending on the pitcher, no matter how hot he is.

Jackie Bradley Jr. is returning to Pawtucket again.  In this stint, his second with the team this year, he went four for 19 with a home run and two RBI.  No matter how good his defense, De Aza’s recent offensive outburst has made him a better offensive option. Bradley Jr. is just four for 30 for Boston this season.

RHP Noe Ramirez will be making his first trip to the major league club.  BSI profiled him during Spring Training, anticipating the Red Sox would be giving him a shot sometime this season. Ramirez posted a 4-0 record this season with a 2.42 ERA in 26 innings, with 23 strikeouts. Ramirez saved 18 games last season at AA Portland. To open a spot for Ramirez on the 40 man roster RHP Zeke Spruill was designated for assignment. He had posted just a 5.40 ERA in 53.1 innings at Pawtucket this season.

It says something about what the team thinks of Swihart that they put him on the DL so he can continue to accrue major league service time, instead of sending him to Pawtucket where he would not. Victorino’s return means the team might be able to move him before the trade deadline if he stays healthy if the team’s fortunes do not improve. For Bradley Jr., he still has not been able to get it going offensively. He could potentially be a trade chip, but his lack of success at the plate in the past two seasons would make a team reluctant to give up anything of value to acquire him, despite his elite defensive skills and nine double plays he has started from the outfield this season.

Stay tuned to BoSoxInjection to break down all the Red Sox roster moves.