Red Sox sign OF Wilkerson to minor league contract Boston, MA (Sports Network) - The Boston Red Sox announced on Monday that they
have signed outfielder Brad Wilkerson to a minor league contract with an
invitation to spring training as a non-roster player.
Wilkerson split last season between Seattle and Toronto. He appeared in 19
games with the Mariners before being released on May 7, then signed with the
Blue Jays two days later and made 85 appearances with the club, a span that
also included a stint on the disabled list due to a lower back strain.
The 31-year-old veteran combined to hit .220 last year with four h... More...
Manager Terry Francona said the Red Sox are likely to start Clay Buchholz on short rest against the Rays Wednesday, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com.
Our View:The Sox are hanging onto their playoff hopes by a thread, so it makes sense to use their best starter, short rest or not. It's not confirmed yet, but Francona seems pretty intent on using him instead of throwing the bullpen against Tampa.
According to the team's Twitter page, Jason Varitek is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket Sunday night.
Our View:Varitek's been on the DL since early July with a broken left foot, and getting him on the field tonight is a great step in the right direction. He'll try to return to Boston as a backup catcher as early as later this week.
