Red Sox bring back Jorge Alfaro

Boston switches up their backup catcher

Image Courtesy of Billie Weiss

The Boston Red Sox today have brought back catcher Jorge Alfaro. Alfaro was released back on June 3rd after having an opt out clause in his initial minor league deal with the team last offseason.

Alfaro, after opting out, signed another minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies. He got called up to the majors on June 15th. Prior to opting out of his Red Sox minor league deal, he hit .323 with 7 home runs and a .363 OBP in 175 at-bats. Unfortunately, in Colorado he struggled by hitting .161 with no walks and 12 strikeouts in 31 at-bats and got designated for assignment.

The corresponding move is designating Caleb Hamilton for assignment. Hamilton was claimed off waivers by Boston last October from the Minnesota Twins. He was unable to record a hit in just 5 at-bats. Given the amount of off days and the All Star break the Red Sox need for a backup catcher is not that pressing.

With the trade deadline looming it will be interesting to see if the Red Sox go after a backup catcher for the stretch run. Alex Cora told reporters today McGuire will “take awhile” to come back. McGuire suffered an oblique strain on June 21st and was placed on the 10 day IL and his timetable is unknown.