Red Sox News: O’Sullivan designated, Benintendi promoted

The journeyman righty was DFA’d and the superstar in the making was sent up to Double-A

O’Sullivan DFA

Sean O’Sullivan, the pride of Wellesley, Massachusetts, who was so thrilled about his Boston Red Sox debut this week that he had manager John Farrell give him a copy of the lineup card, was designated for assignment after the game today.

“I had a lot more fun playing these last two weeks in this clubhouse than anywhere else in the big leagues,” said O’Sullivan

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This was not a surprise to anyone, considering the schedule doesn’t require a fifth starter for several days and O’Sullivan was just called up because he was pitching the best of any potential starters at AAA.  O’Sullivan pitched 11.1 innings over three games (two starts) posting a 7.94 ERA for the Red Sox. Most likely, O’Sullivan will clear waivers and return to AAA Pawtucket, unless someone else who is desperate for starting pitching gives him a shot.

It is expected that the team will add another bat to the 25-man roster, but it is also possible the bullpen could get an extra arm since they have been used for 10.2 innings over the last two games. Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa, and Craig Kimbrel (three straight days) have all been used three times apiece over the last five games. Perhaps we will see more use of Carson Smith, who has only pitched three times since his activation on May 3.

Next: Rodriguez not ready

Benintendi promoted

2015 first rounder Andrew Benintendi, to the surprise of no one, was promoted today from High-A Salem to Double-A Portland. The Arkansas product has actually cooled off lately, going just one for his last 14. Still, Benintendi’s batting line this year for Salem, was a robust .341/.413/.563. After 11 homers last year, Benintendi has managed just one this season, yet he is still slugging .563 due to 13 doubles and seven triples. He has stolen eight bases while driving in 32 runs in just 34 games of action.

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