By Matt McCarthy, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Red Sox have made what many will view as a drastic move, designating Blake Swihart for assignment and calling up Sandy Leon from Pawtucket after a 6-11 start to the season.
The news of Swihart’s release was first reported by Evan Drellich. The Red Sox later confirmed the news.
Prior to tonight’s game against the New York Yankees, the Boston #RedSox announced the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/ftRwcgWosV
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) April 16, 2019
The decision to call up Leon comes just weeks after the Red Sox designated him for an assignment in what appeared to be a commitment to Swihart as the team’s backup catcher at the time. Leon is a favorite backstop of many Red Sox pitchers, including Chris Sale (0-3, 9.00 ERA) and Rick Porcello (0-3, 11.12 ERA).
Leon batted .120 in seven games in Pawtucket. He will reportedly catch Sale’s start Tuesday night in New York.
Swihart, a first round pick in 2011, saw just 573 major league at-bats over parts of five seasons, appearing in 203 games. He played six different positions in the big leagues.
He is unlikely to pass through waivers.
You can hear Matt McCarthy on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s own Hardcore Baseball podcast and on various 98.5 The Sports Hub programs. Follow him on Twitter @MattMcCarthy985.