March 27, 2013 at 10:24 AM
Red Sox option Lavarnway, reassign Carter, De La Torre
The Red Sox announced today that they've optioned catcher Ryan Lavarnway (pictured) to Triple-A Pawtucket and reassigned right-handers Anthony Carter and Jose De La Torre to minor league camp. The threesome's movement now leaves Boston with 35 players in big league camp, including three non-roster invitees.
Lavarnway was destined to begin the season with Pawtucket once the Red Sox signed David Ross back in November to serve as the backup for Jarrod Saltalamacchi. The 25-year-old stepped up to the plate 44 times in Grapefruit action this spring and hit for a .136/.188/.159 line with seven strikeouts and just three walks. Lavarnway played in 83 games with the PawSox last season and hit .295/.376/.439 with eight home runs.
Carter, who was signed as a minor-league free agent in December, will likely join Double-A Portland's bullpen to start the year. The reliever made 10 appearances for Boston this spring, striking out nine and walking one while allowing two earned runs. He spent last season in Triple-A with the Charlotte Knights, the International League affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, where he struck out 54 in 62 2/3 innings with a 4.60 ERA.
De La Torre, acquired from the Cleveland Indians last season in exchange for Brent Lillibridge, spent most of camp serving as a reliable bullpen option for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. The small-framed righty struck out 12 and walked one in 5 2/3 innings of work for the WBC's runner-ups. He did make five appearances this spring with Boston, where he struck out six and walked three in six innings pitched. The 27-year-old is expected to join Pawtucket's bullpen.
Photo Credit: Ryan Lavarnway by Kelly O'Conner.