Welcome Back, Gabbard, Van Every by Jared Carrabis
Sox trade for Kason Gabbard, demote Chris Carter, call up Jonathan Van Every


According to Boston.com, the Red Sox have reacquired left-handed pitcher, Kason Gabbard. Gabbard was originally sent packing, along with David Murphy and Engel Beltre at the July, 31 trading deadline in 2007. The three-player package brought Texas closer, Eric Gagne, to Boston. While Gagne was a bust for the Sox, luckily not getting in the way of a World Series title that October, Gabbard was mediocre in Texas.

Gabbard was 4-0 with a 3.73 ERA in 2007 before being shipping to the Rangers. In eight starts with the Rangers in '07, Gabbard went 2-1 with a 5.58 ERA. The left-hander faced an injury plagued season in 2008 in which Gabbard only made 12 starts due to an eblow injury. Gabbard was 2-3 with a 4.83 ERA during the course of 2008 before being converted into a relief pitcher this past spring by the Texas organization.

The 27-year-old has been assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket to pitch in an extended spring training before a decision is made on his future with the club. Gabbard's best Major League outing came in a Red Sox uniform when on July 16, 2007, Gabbard hurled a complete game shutout against the Kansas City Royals, giving up three hits and striking out eight.

In other Minor League news, Clay Buchholz made his return on Wednesday after missing a start due to a hamstring strain. Buchholz tossed 65 pitches in five innings of work, giving up two runs. Greeting Buchholz down in Pawtucket will be Chris Carter. After having a red hot spring training, Carter has been anything but since joining the Red Sox at the Major League level. Carter was 0-for-5 with four strikeouts in his time with the Red Sox in 2009. Boston has called up Jonathan Van Every to replace Carter on the roster. Van Every stole the spotlight from Julio Lugo and Clay Buchholz, who were both making their returns on Wednesday, by hitting a double and blasting a grand slam in a come-from-behind 8-7 victory for the Paw Sox in 11 innings.

-Jared Carrabis

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Published on April 23, 2009

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