Report: Red Sox To Designate A.J. Pierzynski For Assignment
BOSTON (CBS) -- The A.J. Pierzynski era in Boston is over.
According to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Red Sox will designate the veteran catcher for assignment.
Pierzynski, 37, has played in 72 games this year, his first in Boston. He's hitting .254 with four home runs and a .633 OPS. Prior to this year, Pierzynski's lowest OPS in any full season was .688 in 2010, which was the only full season he's finished with an OPS under .712.
The move will open the door for catching prospect Christian Vazquez to gain big league experience, presumably splitting time with David Ross.
After winning the World Series last October, the Red Sox' first offseason move was to sign Pierzysnki to a one-year, $8.25 million contract. The move necessitated that the team move on from Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who had just set a Red Sox catcher record with 40 doubles in 2013.
Pierzynski came to the Red Sox with the reputation of being the most hated player in Major League Baseball, though he didn't have any disagreements or blow-ups that became public.
Earlier this season, the Red Sox designated Grady Sizemore for assignment after the veteran outfielder struggled following a two-year absence from baseball.
MORE RED SOXCOVERAGE FROM CBS BOSTON
