Bevy of roster moves include Haeger to Pawtucket, Johnson to rehab

The Red Sox made several roster moves today across the minor leagues. Pitchers Charlie Haeger and  Will Latimer and outfielder JC Linares have been promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket, and Haeger will start tonight's game. Infielder Reed Gragnani (pictured) moves from Short Season A Lowell to Low A Greenville, taking the roster spot of Mookie Betts, who was promoted to Salem. Taking Gragnani's spot on the Spinners roster is third baseman Jantzen Witte, moved up from the Gulf Coast League. Pitcher Brian Johnson has begun a rehab stint with the Gulf Coast League squad as he works his way back from a shoulder surgery.

Haeger moves back to the PawSox, where he will get the start against Lehigh Valley. The knuckleballer gets the call with Portland on its All-Star break and the Pawtucket rotation depleted due to yesterday's promotion of Brandon Workman. He made two starts earlier in the season for Pawtucket, going 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 10 innings. With Portland, Haeger made 12 starts, compiling a 3.99 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 70 innings. 

Latimer, an Eastern League All-Star, has a 2.18 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 33 innings out of the Sea Dogs bullpen. The left-hander has some experience in Triple-A, allowing seven runs on 13 hits in 10 innings across five appearances with the PawSox in 2012.

Also returning to the PawSox is Linares, who broke camp with the club. He fills the spot in a PawSox outfield that suddenly saw itself short-handed due to the promotion of Jackie Bradley, Jr. and the injury to Bryce Brentz. The 28-year-old has a .274/.311/.459 line in 319 career Triple-A at-bats. He was hitting .227.323/.343 with the Sea Dogs, seeing most of his time in right field.

Gragnani becomes the first player of the 2013 draft class to reach Greenville. The 21st-round pick out of the University of Virginia is known for his versatility, playing every position except pitcher and catcher for the Cavaliers. With Lowell, he saw most of his time at second base, and also impressed with the bat, hitting .333/.411/.417 with four doubles in 48 at-bats.

Another 2013 pick, Witte takes Gragnani's place in Lowell. A 24th-rounder from TCU, Witte had a .244/.326/.341 for the GCL Red Sox while showing sure hands at third base.

The Red Sox supplemental first-round pick in the 2012 draft, Johnson was with Greenville when he suffered a shoulder injury on May 30. He was placed on the disabled list the following day and has been in Fort Myers since. He started this afternoon's game for the GCL Red Sox.

Photo Credit: Reed Gragnani by Kelly O'Connor

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