BOSTON -- The Red Sox recalled infielder Deven Marrero and outfielder Ryan LaMarre from Triple-A Pawtucket prior to Saturday's game against the Mariners.
The moves come after left-hander Roenis Elias and outfielder Rusney Castillo were optioned to Pawtucket following Boston's 8-4 loss to Seattle on Friday.
Marrero made his big league debut last season and started 12 games, batting .226 (12-for-53) with a home run and eight runs scored. This season at Pawtucket, the 25-year-old made 54 starts at shortstop, two at second and two at third. He was hitting .216 with nine doubles, one triple and 17 RBIs.
Red Sox manager John Farrell said the addition of Marrero and LaMarre will allow for a more balanced roster with versatility on the bench. Farrell said he thought Marrero played well for Boston last season, but there is room for improvement.
"The biggest thing with Deven is maintaining a consistent approach," Farrell said. "He's a guy that's toyed with a number of different changes, from approach to setup."
Marrero said he was so ready to get back on the field with his former teammates that after finding out he was recalled late Friday night, he couldn't catch any shuteye before hopping on a pair of flights from Cincinnati to Boston.
"I didn't wake up. I just stayed up, watched some shows and just made sure I got that taxi in the morning," Marrero said. "Just knowing that you're part of this team again is pretty special."
LaMarre signed with the Red Sox as a Minor League free agent late last year. The 27-year-old is batting .313 with eight doubles, six home runs, 19 RBIs and 24 runs scored with 11 stolen bases in 44 games with Pawtucket this season. It won't be the first time the outfielder steps onto the big stage, as LaMarre's Major League debut came in 2015 with Cincinnati.
Farrell hopes both Marrero and LaMarre will chime into the team's "baton mentality" where the lineup isn't concerned about being the player to change the game and instead, contributing in any way he can.
"I think for the vast majority of the season, our guys have done a very good job of not thinking they have to be the guy in a given inning. It's been building innings with quality at-bats up and down the lineup," Farrell said.
Is it tough for younger players to transition to the Major Leagues?
"It's a challenge," said Farrell. "Particularly from a mental standpoint, for a player coming up into this role, is that their pregame becomes almost their game day with not only staying in shape but staying in timing as best possible."
Worth noting
• Red Sox catcher Ryan Hanigan, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disc in his neck, is making progress in his recovery.
"He'll throw to the bases on Monday," Farrell said. "He caught a bullpen [session on Saturday] and he's been hitting batting practice, so he's getting closer."