Red Sox create Ramon Ramirez monopoly with waiver claim

The Red Sox claimed the other Ramon Ramirez off release waivers from the Rays on Wednesday, giving them two right-handers pitchers with the same name. The newcomer, Ramon A. Ramirez, was claimed off waivers by the Rays last month, only to be released four weeks later. The 27-year-old was previously ditched by the Reds, even though he had a 2.97 ERA in four starts and 12 relief appearances over the last two seasons. Since he’s a short right-hander with a mediocre fastball, he was able to make it through nearly the entire league on waivers. The Red Sox, though, were intrigued by his track record, versatility and plus changeup. He’ll compete for a bullpen spot in the spring. The other Ramon Ramirez shouldn’t be threatened. He had a 2.84 ERA in 69 2/3 innings in his first year with the Red Sox, and he’ll be counted on to fill a big role in the sixth-through-eighth innings once again.