The Boston Red Sox have one of the most promising young rosters in Major League Baseball, but some of that inexperience has contributed to their 3-4 start. Catcher Blake Swihart is still considered a "work in progress" defensively, which is why the team might need Christian Vazquez back as soon as possible.
Vazquez, 25, underwent Tommy John surgery last year and missed all of 2015. He's nearing a return from the injury, and manager John Farrell said that the team is discussing activating him, even though he has yet to catch three consecutive games during his rehab assignment. Still, nothing is definitive.
Farrell on Sox' outlook with activating Vazquez: 'Part of discussions that are ongoing. Nothing imminent.'
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) April 13, 2016
Call up Christian Vazquez? "Nothing's imminent," Red Sox manager John Farrell says after rough night behind... https://t.co/H4j4s16l9I
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) April 13, 2016
At the same time, although there has only been seven games, the Red Sox need to figure something out regarding the catcher position. Yes, Swihart is among the most promising young talents in the entire league, but his game-calling abilities need some work, as does his overall defense. Boston is back at the bottom of baseball in terms of starters' ERA (7.32), which is both a reflection on the pitching staff and the cast of catchers, which was also an issue last season.
"It wasn't entirely Swihart's fault then, just as it isn't now," writes ESPN's Scott Lauber. "But with the defensively gifted Vazquez healthy again after recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery and catching four of the season's first five games on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Pawtucket, the Sox can't afford to wait much longer before putting the pitching staff back in the steady hands of a catcher who Kelly routinely compares to St. Louis Cardinals All-Star backstop Yadier Molina."
Vazquez last played in an MLB game back in 2014. He made his debut that season, logged 55 games and finished with a 1.1 dWAR and five defensive runs saved (DRS). He wasn't awfully impressive on offense (.240/.308/.209 stat line with 15 runs scored, one home run and 20 RBI), but the Red Sox don't need offense right now. They're currently batting .282 as a team and also boast an .807 OPS.
The pitching staff once again remains the big question mark. Vazquez won't turn the unit into anything special overnight, but he'll certainly improve the pitcher-catcher chemistry, which could go a long way in terms of unifying the rotation.
