Dodgers claim catcher Ryan Lavarnway from Red Sox
The Los Angeles Dodgersannounced on Friday that they have claimed catcher Ryan Lavarnway from the Boston Red Sox and designated catcher Drew Butera for assignment.
In 2014, Lavarnway played in only nine games with the Red Sox, going hitless and striking out three times in 10 at-bats. He also played in 67 minor league games, including 62 with Triple-A affiliate Pawtucket.
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Lavarnway's most extensive major league experience came in 2012, when he posted a .157 batting average with two home runs and 12 RBI over 46 games. He has posted a .201 batting average with five home runs and 34 RBI over parts of four seasons during his career. At one point, Lavarnway was considered a top-100 prospect.
The Red Sox designated Lavarnway for assignment last week after agreeing to a five-year contract with catcher Pablo Sandoval.
Butera batted .188 with three home runs and 14 RBI over 61 games last season, his second with Los Angeles.
A.J. Ellis served as the Dodgers' primary catcher last season as they went 94-68 and finished first in the National League West before falling to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS.
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