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Red Sox Send Rusney Castillo To Triple-A Pawtucket

BOSTON (CBS) -- The $72.5 million man is heading back to the minors.

The Red Sox on Monday sent outfielder Rusney Castillo down to Triple-A Pawtucket amid a flurry of roster moves. Knuckleballer Steven Wright was also optioned to Pawtucket, while the team called up right-hander Justin Masterson. Catcher Erik Kratz also joined the Red Sox roster after the team claimed him off waivers on Sunday.

Masterson will be joining the bullpen, not the starting rotation. Katz's presence was needed after Blake Swihart suffered an injury over the weekend, but the Sox are hoping Swihart can return to the field as soon as tomorrow.

Castillo, 27, is hitting .230 with a .544 OPS in 26 games at the big league level this season. He has just two extra-base hits and three walks in 77 plate appearances.

"We just need to get him back playing every day. He had been kind of relegated to a bench role here, which in fairness to him was difficult to get into any kind of rhythm and gain some confidence, which he needs to with everyday play," manager John Farrell said.

The Red Sox signed Castillo to a seven-year, $72.5 million contract last August.

In 18 games with Pawtucket this year, Castillo has hit .293 with a .781 OPS.

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