Villarreal joins Red Sox; De La Rosa back to Pawtucket

SAN FRANCISCO -- In need of a fresh arm for the bullpen, the Red Sox summoned right-hander Brayan Villarreal from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Villarreal was acquired from the Tigers as part of the three-team trade that brought Jake Peavy to Boston.

After coming off the disabled list, Villarreal pitched twice for Pawtucket, converting one save and not giving up a run.

"Given what we've gone through the last couple of nights out of the bullpen, we needed a guy that had some ability to pitch a couple of innings -- a fresh arm," said manager John Farrell. "Villarreal over the last couple of outings at Pawtucket has started to throw the ball consistent with where he was a couple of years ago. The thumb issue he dealt with in the past is behind him. It's a power arm that's got some success in the big leagues."

To make room for Villarreal, Rubby De La Rosa was sent back to Pawtucket.

"Rubby going down is more a matter of getting a fresh arm here," said Farrell.