July 1, 2014 at 3:02 PM
Orioles return Michael Almanzar to Red Sox
The Red Sox announced that they have received infielder Michael Almanzar back from the Baltimore Orioles. Almanzar was selected in last December's Rule 5 Draft, and because Baltimore was unable to keep him on its 25-man roster, it was required to offer him back to Boston. The Red Sox also announced that pitcher Chris Capuano, designated for assignment last week, has cleared waivers and been released.
Almanzar, 23, was in Spring Training with the Orioles, where he was considered a contender to begin the season at third base replacing the injured Manny Machado. Almanzar was diagnosed with tendinitis in his knee and placed on the 60-day disabled list at the end of March. He began a rehab stint on June 20, and appeared in nine games across three levels. With Machado back and no clear spot on the major league roster, the Orioles designated Almanzar for assignment on Monday and returned him to Boston on Tuesday.
Almanzar appeared in 659 games in the Boston system between 2008 and 2013. He was originally signed in 2007 to a $1.5 million bonus, the largest the Red Sox had given to an amateur international free agent at the time. Almanzar struggled in his early years in the system but showed improvement with Salem and Portland in 2012 and 2013, enticing the Orioles to take a chance on him.
Per Alex Speier of WEEI.com, Almanzar has been assigned to Portland.
Photo Credit: Michael Almanzar by Kelly O'Connor