Red Sox Catcher Returns To Organization After Clearing Waivers To Bolster Depth

The Boston Red Sox made a notable selection when they drafted Virginia catcher Kyle Teel in the first round of the 2023 Major League Baseball draft but that was not the only move they made to the organization's catching depth on Sunday.

Hours before the draft, the Red Sox were able to retain Caleb Hamilton after he cleared waivers and agreed to rejoin the organization. 

Hamilton filled in for fellow backstop Reese McGuire, who is on the injured list with an oblique strain. When Jorge Alfaro became available, the Red Sox chose to designate Hamilton for assignment.

The 28-year-old went 0-for-5 (all strikeouts) with a walk in his six plate appearances across four games. Red Sox manager Alex Cora clearly did not have much faith in the inexperienced catcher, forcing Connor Wong into an almost full-time role behind the plate before Alfaro joined the roster.

Now Hamilton will head back to Triple-A Worcester alongside catchers Ronaldo Hernández, Stephen Scott and Oscar Rangel. 

Wong, Alfaro and McGuire are the only catchers left on the 40-man roster but Hamilton appears to be the next man up should one more backstop join McGuire on the injured list.

Hamilton is not much of an offensive contributor for the Red Sox or WooSox but he's solid behind the plate.