Mickey

Gasper

Gasper’s departure frees up a spot on Boston’s 40-man roster for Walker Buehler. The 29-year-old backstop got into 13 contests last year in his first taste of the majors, going hitless (0-for-18) with four walks in 23 plate appearances. He provides Minnesota with a versatile bench option heading into next season and beyond. He’ll likely open next season back at Triple-A St. Paul as extra organizational catching depth.

Gasper is coming up as bench depth with Rafael Devers going on the IL for the rest of the season. The 28-year-old is still looking for his first major league hit after going 0-for-12 in his first taste of the majors.

Gasper was a phenomenal story as an unheralded 28-year-old rookie finally getting a shot with Boston for a couple weeks after toiling away in the minors since 2018. The 28-year-old is still searching for his first major league hit as he went 0-for-12 with three walks in 10 contests.

Bummer for Hamilton, whose season might be over because of a bad bunt attempt last night. He was hitting .248/.303/.395 with 33 steals in 98 games while mostly serving as Boston’s second baseman against right-handers lately. Nick Sogard was recalled in his place and will contend with Romy Gonzalez and Mickey Gaspar for playing time at second. The injury might increase the chances that the Red Sox give top prospect Kristian Campbell a shot in September.

The 28-year-old Gasper was crushing it in Triple-A, hitting .402/.515/.664 in 40 games, so he’ll get a brief look here with Jarren Duran’s suspension opening up a roster spot (because it’s a team and not league suspension) and Triston Casas not yet ready to return. It doesn’t seem likely he’ll stick this time around, but a nice first impression would do wonders for his future opportunities.