By Jeff Louderback

Pedro Beato, the right-hander reliever who was designated for assignment when the Red Sox added Ryan Dempster to the 40-man roster, was outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket after he cleared waivers.

Boston acquired the 26-year-old Beato during the 2012 season from the New York Mets for catcher Kelly Shoppach. A first round pick of the Baltimore Orioles in 2006, the Dominican Republic native has logged a 4.13 ERA in 163 games over seven minor league seasons.

He was converted from a starter to a reliever in 2010 and has performed better in that role, posting a 2.11 ERA in 43 games at Double-A Bowie (Baltimore) in 2010. After spending most of the 2011 campaign in the majors with the Mets, Beato recorded a 4.14 ERA in 24 games at Triple-A Norfolk (Mets) before allowing one unearned run in five frames at Pawtucket.

Beato has a fast ball that ranges from 90-93 and has movement, but his slider, curve and change-up are lackluster, and he lacks consistent command. These are reasons why he has not remained at the Major League level.

In 2011, Beato appeared in 60 games for the Mets, allowing 59 hits in 67 innings with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. After languishing with a 10.38 ERA in seven games with the Mets in 2012, he recorded a 4.70 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP in four games and 7.2 innings for the Red Sox.

Beato will compete for a spot in the Pawtucket bullpen during spring training.