Spears, Repko called up in flurry of roster moves

The Red Sox announced several roster moves this morning, purchasing the contracts of utilityman Nate Spears and outfielder Jason Repko from Pawtucket, optioning outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin to Triple-A, and designating pitcher Michael Bowden and catcher Luis Exposito for assignment.

Spears, 26, appeared in three games for the Red Sox last September. Valued for his versatility, Spears saw time at all four infield positions as well as both corner outfield positions with Pawtucket in 2011. Spears began this season as the PawSox starting second baseman, and was off to a 6 for 26 start to the season.

The Red Sox will be the third major league team for Repko, who can play all three outfield positions. The 31-year-old outfielder has appeared in 355 games over parts of six seasons with the Dodgers and Twins. Repko was signed to a minor league contract in January to add veteran depth to the outfield, and got a long look in spring training, appearing in 26 games. He was 7 for 13 with a double and a home run so far this season with the PawSox.

Lin, 23, will return to Pawtucket after making his major league debut in yesterday's 13-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Lin entered the game in the 9th inning as a defensive replacement in center field. He did not bat.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Spears and Repko, Bowden and Exposito were designated for assignment. Bowden, 25, was a first round pick in the 2005 draft. After making the team out of spring training, Bowden appeared in two games, going 3 innings, allowing 1 run, walking 1 and striking out 2. Exposito, also a 25-year-old 2005 draftee, has been serving as backup to Ryan Lavarnway with the PawSox this year. He has two hits, both doubles, in ten at-bats on the young season.

Tweet