Red Sox cut ties with outfielder Allen Craig
Traded for Lackey, Craig never found way in Boston
PAWTUCKET – Allen Craig’s time with the Red Sox organization has come to an end.
The 32-year-old was released on Friday, a decision that marked the end of a near three-year run that began with promise when former Boston general manager Ben Cherington traded John Lackey for him and Joe Kelly at the 2014 nonwaiver trade deadline.
Craig’s tenure ended with him hitting .253 with a .316 on-base percentage in 47 games for the PawSox this season. He spent the entire 2016 season with the PawSox, fighting injuries that limited him to just 22 games and a .173 batting average.
Craig’s last appearance in a majorleague setting came in 2015 when he appeared in 36 games and batted .152. He batted .128 in 29 games with Boston after coming over from St. Louis in 2014.
A former National League AllStar who was part of a World Series winner with the Cardinals in 2011, Craig was under contract for $11 million this season with a $13 million team option for 2018.
Craig was clearly shaken by the news to the point where he politely declined to speak to a reporter. Several PawSox players, including Bryce Brentz, Blake Swihart, and Jantzen Witte, went over to shake hands and wish Craig well.
“We talked it over with him as far as the 40-man situation, getting different guys on rehab, and younger guys coming up. The playing time … we had to spread it out,” PawSox manager Kevin Boles said. “I’m sure he’s a little disappointed with his performance. He’s had health issues the last couple of years, but today was a tough day. He’s one of the good guys in baseball. You definitely pull for him.”
Taking Craig’s place on the PawSox roster was outfielder Anuery Tavarez, who was on the disabled list with recurring right-hand tendinitis.
EXTRA BASES: Friday’s game against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre was halted in the top of the fourth inning due to rain. The PawSox were leading 2-0 behind a two-run home run from Bryce Brentz, his 18th. Jalen Beeks was in the midst of strong outing, allowing just one hit with five strikeouts and zero walks. … Jhonny Peralta doubled in his first at-bat at McCoy Stadium as a member of the PawSox. Pablo Sandoval went 0-for2 … The suspended game will be continued to its nine-inning completion Saturday at 4:35 p.m. with Kyle Martin coming on to pitch the fourth inning for the PawSox. Saturday night’s regularly scheduled game will follow as the second game of a doubleheader and will be seven innings … Fans are welcome to exchange their ticket stub from Friday’s contest for a future regularseason game at McCoy Stadium this season. … Boles said that 2017 I.L. All-Star Rusney Castillo is close to returning after getting placed on the DLon June 22 with a right groin pull. “He’s got some lingering effects there,” Boles said. “He’s been shagging flyballs and taking batting practice, but we’ll test him on the bases and go from there and see how he reacts.” … Not on the Scranton roster is Pawtucket native Mason Williams. The New York Yankees outfielder was designated for assignment on Thursday.