Jorge Alfaro ‘happy to be back’ with Boston, makes his first start Sunday
The Red Sox signed catcher Jorge Alfaro on Thursday to a one-year deal. He will make his first start with the Red Sox on Sunday afternoon and will bat sixth behind Masataka Yoshida.
Alfaro was released by the Rockies following his opt-out with the Red Sox back on June 1.
“It’s been a crazy month,” Alfaro said to reporters on Thursday after he worked out with Jason Varitek. “Opted out with Boston and flying around the country. I got a little frustrated with the situation and all that because that was the first time that happened to me and I had to deal with it. But I’m happy to be back and I want to give 100% to the team and help them do what I can.”
Alfaro will serve as the backup to Connor Wong while Reese McGuire recovers from an oblique strain.
The 30-year-old backstop is a strong offensive player but has struggled defensively behind the plate.
“He was available. We like his bat,” manager Alex Cora said. “I think, behind the plate, he made some progress in spring training and we felt good in Worcester. We saw this window now to get him here. Obviously, with Reese, it’s taking longer. It’s progressing but it’s going to take a while. It feels that way.
“To get (Alfaro) here will be good. We can use him as a pinch-hitter late in games against lefties. He can play first. He’s a good athlete. I’m glad that he’s here.”
Alfaro was enjoying a strong season offensively while with the WooSox prior to opting out of his deal. He was batting .320 (56-for-175) with six homers and 30 RBI in 43 games. While in Worcester, Alfaro was used at catcher, first base and designated hitter
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