Needing to make a roster transaction Friday to clear space for the return of outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, the Boston Red Sox have designated pitcher Justin Germano for assignment, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported.
Germano tore it up in his Red Sox debut on July 7, allowing zero runs while striking out seven in 5.2 innings of a relief appearance against the New York Yankees. The 29-year old righty has also dominated Triple-A this season, notching a 9-4 record with a 2.40 ERA in 17 appearances (16 starts) at Pawtucket.
But with a full pitching rotation and Ellsbury returning, Germano was a victim of circumstance. Ellsbury, second in A.L. MVP voting last season, is expected to return Friday night against the Tampa Bay Rays. He hasn't played since suffering a shoulder injury on April 13.
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