January 8, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Zink designated for assignment
To make room on the 40-man roster for recently signed outfielder Rocco Baldelli, the Red Sox have designated righthander Charlie Zink for assignment. According to Adam Kilgore of Boston.com, Zink has been outrighted to AAA Pawtucket. Last season, Zink led the Pawtucket Red Sox in wins (14), ERA (2.84), and innings pitched (174.1), and was second on the team in strikeouts with 106. The 29-year-old knuckleballer was named the 2008 International League Most Valuable Pitcher, and was also MLB.com's Triple-A Starting Pitcher of the Year. He also finished first in the International League in 2008 with a 1.11 WHIP. Zink is a veteran of seven minor league seasons since being signed by the Red Sox as an undrafted free agent in 2002, owning a career 47-41 record with a 4.05 ERA and 548 strikeouts in 885 innings pitched. He made his major league debut last season with Boston on August 12 against the Texas Rangers.