Projo Sox Blog

Outfielder Brad Wilkerson, who could have asked for his release and attempted to sign on with another major league club, is expected to accept an assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket and start the year in the minor leagues.

Wilkerson, 31 once hit 32 home runs for the Montreal Expos, but that player was nowhere to be seen in Red Sox spring training. Wilkerson struck out in 18 of his 42 spring at-bats, and hit only .182 in March.

He came into camp as the front-runner to win the roster spot available while Mark Kotsay is out recovering from back surgery. The job eventually went to Chris Carter, and Wilkerson cleaned out his locker over a week ago. He was reportedly debating whether to leave the Red Sox and find another opportunity, but manager Terry Francona and assistant general manager Jed Hoyer said today that they expect he will report to Pawtucket.

 Tags  Brad Wilkerson Dan Barbarisi Terry Francona

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