Craig outrighted among Sox's flurry of moves

BOSTON -- The Red Sox made a series of procedural moves on Friday that included veteran outfielder/first baseman Allen Craig being outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket for the second time in less than a year.

Once a top run producer in the National League, Craig has been unable to find his stroke the last two seasons. His decline started after suffering a left foot injury while with the Cardinals during the 2013 season.

In 540 at-bats over the last two seasons, Craig hit .206 with nine homers, 49 RBIs and an on-base/slugging line of .273/.298.

The right-handed hitter has a balance of $21 million remaining on his contract over the next two seasons, making it extremely unlikely the Red Sox can trade him without absorbing almost all of the cost. That figure includes a $1 million buyout of Craig's club option for 2018.

Righty relievers Jean Machi and Alexi Ogando were both outrighted from the Major League roster and will become free agents.

Catcher Sandy Leon signed a one-year Major League contract for next season and was outrighted to Pawtucket.

In addition, right-hander Clay Buchholz, closer Koji Uehara, catcher Christian Vazquez and righty relievers Anthony Varvaro and Brandon Workman were reinstated from the 60-day disabled list.

Boston's 40-man roster is now at 38.