According to Baseball America, the Boston Red Sox have re-signed promising right-handed reliever Jose De La Torre and veteran catcher Matt Spring to minor league deals while journeyman infielder Nate Spears elected free agency.
The 26-year-old De La Torre was acquired by the Red Sox from Cleveland during the 2012 season for utility player Brent Lillibridge. who was part of the deal that sent Kevin Youkilis to the Chicago White Sox.
De La Torre has a 2.84 ERA over six minor league seasons, including a 2.49 ERA in 70 games in Triple-A spanning parts of three seasons. He compiled a 2.45 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP in 12 games and 18.1 innings at Triple-A Pawtucket after logging a 2.80 ERA in 27 games with Double-A Akron (Indians) before the trade.
The Red Sox will need to find a post for De La Torre on the 40-man roster by the Rule 5 Draft in December. He will compete for a spot in the Boston bullpen during spring training but will likely open the 2013 campaign at Pawtucket and offer talented depth.
Given his success in the minors, it’s hard to see him getting passed over in the Rule 5 draft. Not surprised to see Spears go.