Varvaro among six invited to Sox spring camp
BOSTON -- The Red Sox announced the signing of six Minor League free agents that include invites to Major League camp, highlighted by righty reliever Anthony Varvaro.
After pitching for Boston in 2015, only to be have his season halted early due to surgery to repair right elbow calcification, Varvaro was outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket on Nov. 20.
But now he'll at least get a chance to punch his ticket back to Boston if he can rebound from his injury. The Red Sox were enthusiastic about the addition of Varvaro a year ago after seeing the righty post an ERA under 3 in two straight seasons of 60-plus appearances for the Braves.
With Boston, Varvaro pitched in nine games and notched a 4.09 ERA. When he is going well, Varvaro is a right-hander who excels against lefty hitters.
The others to receive invites to camp are right-hander William Cuevas, third baseman Chris Dominguez, outfielder Ryan LaMarre, right-hander Sean O'Sullivan, and catcher Ali Solis.
For Cuevas, who hails from Venezuela, this will be his first time in big league camp after spending the last seven years in the Red Sox's farm system. Cuevas has plenty of experience as both a starter and reliever, notching a 3.53 ERA over 137 professional appearances.
The 27-year-old LaMarre has experience at all three outfield spots and was a second-round selection of the Reds in 2010. He made his Major League debut for Cincinnati last season, playing in 21 games and going 2-for-25. LaMarre is a right-handed hitter and lefty thrower.
Dominguez, 29, played a total of 22 games over the last two seasons for the Giants (2014) and Reds ('15). He has experience at first, third, left and right.
O'Sullivan has pitched in 66 games in the Majors, 52 of them starts, going 11-23 with a 5.95 ERA. He spent the last two seasons with the Phillies and had previous stints with the Angels, Royals and Padres.
Solis provides catching depth for the organization and spent 2015 in the Dodgers' system. He appeared in 13 games over two seasons for the Padres (2012) and Rays (2014).