Iglesias optioned, opening roster spot for Cook

Shortstop Jose Iglesias was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket this afternoon. The move opens up a space on the 25-man roster for pitcher Aaron Cook. 

Aaron Cook (Kelly O'Connor)

The Red Sox have announced that Cook will start on Saturday in place of Josh Beckett. It will be the veteran righty's first career start for any team other than the Colorado Rockies, the organization that drafted him in 1997. Cook's best season was 2008, when he went 16-9 with a 3.96 ERA, making his only All-Star team. In five April starts with Pawtucket, Cook was 5-0 with a 1.89 ERA and 1.110 WHIP in 33.1 innings pitched.

Iglesias had been recalled on Tuesday to provide depth for the injury-depleted infield, and did not appear in any game action. He is starting at shortstop tonight for Pawtucket in Toledo. 

An additional move will be required to add Cook to the 40-man roster. It is likely that outfielder Carl Crawford will be transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

[UPDATE 11:15 PM: Crawford was, in fact, placed on the 60-day DL to clear a roster spot for Cook]

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