Fort Myers, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Boston Red Sox have placed catcher Christian Vazquez on the 60-day disabled list because of a sprained right elbow.
Vazquez was expected to be Boston's starting catcher heading into this season, but will reportedly visit Dr. James Andrews to determine the severity of the elbow injury.
The 24-year-old backstop took over as the club's regular catcher last July and played 55 games in his first major league action, hitting .240 with nine doubles, a homer and 20 runs batted in. He was at his best throwing out potential base stealers, nabbing 15-of-29 for a 52 percent clip.
Needing immediate help at the position, Boston acquired catcher Sandy Leon from Washington in a trade Monday, sending cash considerations to the Nationals in exchange. Leon will likely join Ryan Hanigan as the primary catchers to start the season for the Red Sox.
Hanigan was acquired by the Red Sox in December from San Diego for third baseman Will Middlebrooks after the Padres had picked up Hanigan from Tampa Bay in the 11-player deal that sent Wil Myers from the Rays to the Padres.
Leon appeared in 20 games for the Nationals last season, making 17 starts behind the plate. The 26-year-old native of Venezuela has played 34 games for the Nationals over the past three seasons and has hit .189 over 95 at-bats.
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