Red Sox catcher Ryan Hanigan was removed during the seventh inning of Friday night’s loss to the Yankees due to a fractured finger on his right hand. He was hit in the hand by a pitch while behind the plate for reliever Tommy Layne. Sandy Leon replaced him in the game.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that Hanigan will need surgery to repair the damage. As Hanigan was the starting backstop in Boston, the club is in need of a catcher. To fill the void, they will promote catching prospect Blake Swihart from Triple-A Pawtucket, CSN New England’s Sean McAdam reports. McAdams adds that the Red Sox will continue to look for additional catching help, but Jarrod Saltalamacchia -- recently desginated for assignment by the Marlins -- is not a consideration.
In 67 plate appearances this season, Hanigan hit .222/.354/.315 with one home run and five RBI.
At Triple-A, the 23-year-old Swihart was hitting .338/.392/.382 with three extra-base hits (all doubles) and 11 RBI in 74 plate appearances.