Sandy Leon opens up about being odd man out at catcher for Red Sox

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The Red Sox decided to enter the new season with Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart as their two catchers, leaving Sandy Leon as the odd man out.

Leon was outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket last week after clearing waivers. Though he won't get the chance to contribute to the big-league club to start 2019, the veteran backstop is embracing his role in the minors.

"I'm here to work, to get better, to help the team win games," Leon said.

"He's a professional," said Pawtucket Red Sox manager Billy McMillon. "He knows what he needs to do. He understands the game, he's been around it, and nobody's expecting any kind of issues. I think he's going to help out the ballclub immensely."

Leon was demoted largely because of his struggles at the plate, but the 30-year-old is solid defensively and a favorite among the Red Sox pitching staff. He'll be a reliable depth option in case the team runs into any issues at the catcher position this season.

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