Busy Sox add Denker from Padres

Joe McDonald of the Providence Journal is reporting that the Red Sox have claimed Travis Denker off waivers from the San Diego Padres and added him to the 40-man roster. Denker will ply his trade with the Pawtucket Red Sox, taking the place of Gil Velazquez, who was called up to Boston yesterday. Spending most of last season at Triple-A Fresno in the Giants organization, Denker put together a .282/.373/.468 line in 220 at bats there, adding 7 home runs and 30 RBI while spending most of his time at second base. He also made a brief 24 game cameo for San Francisco in 2008, posting .243/.333/.486 totals with 1 home run in 37 at bats in the majors.

The 23-year-old California native was originally a 21st round draft choice of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2003 and owns career .276/.376/.454 numbers with 73 home runs, 310 RBI, 320 walks, and 391 strikeouts in 2017 minor league at bats. To make room for Denker on the 40-man roster, pitcher Miguel Gonzalez, who underwent Tommy John surgery last month, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

In other news, the Portland Press Herald's Kevin Thomas is reporting that Pawtucket pitcher Devern Hansack has suffered a separated right shoulder and will return to Boston to undergo further evaluation. The injury is not believed to be season ending. Hansack's roster spot will likely be given to Rocky Cherry, who had been assigned to extended spring training to begin the year after being signed to a minor league contract last month.

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