Garin Cecchini recalled; Sizemore designated for assignment

The Red Sox have designated outfielder Grady Sizemore for assignment and recalled third baseman Garin Cecchini (pictured) from Triple-A Pawtucket. Cecchini's recall was first reported by Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish. It was confirmed by Alex Speier of WEEI.com, who also reported the news on Sizemore.

Cecchini made his major league debut on June 1, going 1 for 2 with a double in a victory over Tampa Bay. He has struggled with Pawtucket since then, going just 7 for 37 with two extra base hits, but gives the Red Sox a left-handed bat off the bench for their series against Minnesota. Overall, Cecchini is hitting .263/.344/.329.

Sizemore, 31, was signed to a one-year contract in January despite having not played in a game since 2011 due to various injuries. The team hoped the former Cleveland Indian could regain some of the form that made him a three time All-Star from 2006 through 2008. After a solid showing in spring training, Sizemore struggled, hitting .216/.288/.324 with 41 strikeouts in 205 plate appearances. The recent emergence of Brock Holt as an option in the outfield had cut into Sizemore's playing time and eventually made him expendable. 

Cecchini will likely serve as back-up third baseman and left-handed pinch hitter for the Minnesota series, and is likely to be optioned back to Pawtucket if Shane Victorino remains on schedule to be activated from the disabled list on Friday.

Photo Credit: Garin Cecchini by Kelly O'Connor

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