January 22, 2013 at 10:41 PM
Napoli signing is official; Chris Carpenter designated for assignment
The Red Sox officially announced today the long-anticipated signing of free agent Mike Napoli. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, right-hander Chris Carpenter has been designated for assignment.
Carpenter, 27, was acquired in February from the Chicago Cubs as part of the compensation for former general manager Theo Epstein. The Red Sox hoped that Carpenter would compete for a spot in the bullpen in spring training, but instead had surgery on March 29 to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. After a very effective stint with Triple-A Pawtucket, Carpenter was recalled to the major league club on September 3. The righty was used sparingly as the Red Sox faded from contention, appearing in nine games, allowing six runs on seven hits in six innings of work. He struggled with control during the short stint in the majors, walking ten while striking out only two.
Initially projected to spend 2013 shuttling between Boston and Pawtucket, Carpenter became the victim of a numbers crunch. He has ten days to be placed on waivers, traded, or released.