FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Red Sox have acted quickly to fill their need at catcher, acquiring strong defender Sandy Leon from the Washington Nationals for cash considerations on Monday.Leon packed his bags at Washington's Spring Training facility and headed to Fort Myers to report to Boston.
The switch-hitting Leon, who is out of Minor League options, will probably form a catching tandem with Ryan Hanigan, a right-handed hitter. 
Christian Vazquez was supposed to be the starting catcher for the Red Sox, but he was placed on the 60-day disabled list Monday morning with a right elbow injury and will visit with Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Fla., on Wednesday. An MRI conducted by the Red Sox at the end of last week showed "something."The 26-year-old Leon has a cannon arm, something he shares in common with Vazquez.Before the trade for Leon, manager John Farrell said that the Red Sox were examining their internal options and were prioritizing defense and handling the pitching staff with whomever replaces Vazquez.The internal options are veteran backup Humberto Quintero and highly touted prospect Blake Swihart.The Red Sox optioned Swihart to Triple-A Pawtucket on March 20 with the idea he could complete his development there, particularly on defense.Leon, who hails from Venezuela, played 33 games (26 starts) for the Nationals over the past three seasons. He hit .189 with a homer and five RBIs.Leon probably wouldn't have made the Nationals' roster, as he was behind Wilson Ramos and Jose Lobaton on the depth chart.
Ian Browne/ MLB.com
Christian Vazquez was supposed to be the starting catcher for the Red Sox, but he was placed on the 60-day disabled list Monday morning with a right elbow injury and will visit with Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Fla., on Wednesday. An MRI conducted by the Red Sox at the end of last week showed "something."The 26-year-old Leon has a cannon arm, something he shares in common with Vazquez.Before the trade for Leon, manager John Farrell said that the Red Sox were examining their internal options and were prioritizing defense and handling the pitching staff with whomever replaces Vazquez.The internal options are veteran backup Humberto Quintero and highly touted prospect Blake Swihart.The Red Sox optioned Swihart to Triple-A Pawtucket on March 20 with the idea he could complete his development there, particularly on defense.Leon, who hails from Venezuela, played 33 games (26 starts) for the Nationals over the past three seasons. He hit .189 with a homer and five RBIs.Leon probably wouldn't have made the Nationals' roster, as he was behind Wilson Ramos and Jose Lobaton on the depth chart.
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