The Red Sox announced they optioned outfielder Rusney Castillo to Triple A Pawtucket after Wednesday night’s 4-2 win over the Orioles.
Like Pablo Sandoval, the third baseman who lost his starting job before being placed on the disabled list Wednesday, Castillo couldn’t claim a starting job in spring training and slipped to fifth on the outfield depth chart behind Chris Young.
“We need to get him out and get him going,’’ manager John Farrell said. “We need to get him some at-bats and playing everyday.’’
Castillo, who signed a seven-year, $72.5 million contract in August 2014, said he wasn’t surprised or disappointed by the development and was looking forward to getting some playing time.
“I’m always ready for whatever news is given to me,’’ Castillo said through interpreter Daveson Perez. “Just going to keep working hard and see what happens . . . I get the opportunity to play every day and get better and I’m excited about the opportunity to start every day, which is what I’ve always wanted to do.’’
No corresponding move was announced with Castillo’s demotion.
Vazquez progressing The strength in Christian Vazquez’s surgically repaired right elbow is increasing, his stamina is slowly building, he’s logging at-bats in Pawtucket, and while there are no immediate plans for the game-changing catcher, the Red Sox have had conversations about what to do when Vazquez eventually returns to the big club.
Vazquez played the second of back-to-back games Tuesday in Pawtucket before getting Wednesday off. In five games, he’s hitting .462/.650/.538.
“He came out of [Tuesday] night, consecutive nine-inning games, in good shape,’’ Farrell said. “The most encouraging thing is he’s come back to cold weather and there’s been no issues as far as getting loose in between innings. He’s off [Wednesday], but we’ve taken the two-games-on, one-game-off approach. So he’s getting closer.’’
PawSox manager Kevin Boles has seen Vazquez show all the positive signs at the plate, driving up pitch counts, working pitchers for walks (he has seven in 20 plate appearances), and hitting to all fields. And while Vazquez’s arm strength is still “a tick below’’ what it was, Boles said he’s seen Vazquez get more comfortable letting loose on throws.
“The arm strength is definitely coming back,’’ Boles said. “There was a couple days when there wasn’t much carry on his throws. We’ve definitely seen the improvements now. It’s definitely very encouraging from where he was at the end of spring training to where he is now.
“He’s come a long way. We’re talking about the stamina, how he bounces back — there’s some unknowns as far as going back-to-back days, or nine innings on back-to-back nights, then getting to maybe three games in a row. There are some unknowns, because he hasn’t gone through this before.’’
What Vazquez’s eventual return might mean for Blake Swihart, who started six of the Sox’ first seven but sat Wednesday night in favor of Ryan Hanigan, is uncertain.
Swihart is hitting .278, but his defensive struggles have been noticeable. He took full responsibility for misplaying a popup in foul territory that would’ve sent Mark Trumbo back to the dugout, but instead opened the door for Trumbo to blast a two-run home run over the Monster in what was the swing play in the Sox’ 9-5 loss Tuesday.
“There’s been some times where some balls have gotten away from him,’’ Farrell said. “There’s been a couple occasions where some popups have not been completed. One didn’t hurt us, one did.
“But I will say this, we’re a team and when things aren’t executed on the field, we as a team need to pick one another up.’’
In spring training, Farrell said he would consider the possibility of carrying three catchers, even if it creates some roster challenges.
That’s still an option, he said.
“I’m not going to rule it out,’’ said Farrell. “It does have its limitations. There’s ongoing discussion on what’s the best alignment, what’s the best combination of guys on the roster.’’
Rodriguez on mend Eduardo Rodriguez, on the disabled list since injuring his right knee in February, threw 50 pitches in three frames on Wednesday in Fort Myers, Fla. He threw 36 pitches in two innings on Sunday and was also able to get through some pitcher’s fielding practice.
“He got through it very good,’’ Farrell said.
Rodriguez will now be put on a five-day work plan to build on the progress he’s made. Before mapping out a plan for a minor league rehab assignment, Farrell said the team wants to have Rodriguez get his first in-game action in extended spring training.
Porcello opens up
The rotation for the four-game set against Toronto will start with Rick Porcello in Friday’s series opener. David Price will pitch Saturday, keeping him on normal rest by swapping him with Steven Wright, who will throw Sunday. Clay Buchholz will take the mound in the Patriots Day game on Monday . . . Carson Smith threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, consisting of fastballs and sliders . . . Prior to the game, Home Base, a program created by the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital to help veterans and their families deal with post-traumatic stress disorder, was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal by US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus in a pregame ceremony. The honor is the highest the Navy can give to a civilian organization.
Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Julian Benbow can be reached atjbenbow@globe.com.
