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Red Sox not expected to pursue Jarrod Saltalamacchia after Ryan Hanigan injury

Saltalamacchia could be dealt to Arizona or Kansas City.

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Boston has been concerned with the status of Ryan Hanigan, but that may not incline them to trade for Marlins catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Kansas City, Arizona, and Tampa Bay are all interested in Saltalamacchia according to Daily Dish's Chris Cotillo, and Cotillo was told by a source the Red Sox will not pursue their former catcher after losing Hanigan.

Saltalamacchia, 30, was designated for assignment after posting a .069/.182/.207 line in nine games. Since the Marlins promoted him, J.T. Realmuto has had success and ultimately won the starting job. Saltalamacchia only received 33 at-bats in 2015, and the Marlins are looking to move on from the former Boston catcher who posted a .220/.320/.362 batting line with Miami last season. Only after the ten day period would Saltalamacchia clear waivers and have the ability to sign with any team.

The Red Sox formally announced they promoted Blake Swihart on Saturday. The club is still expected to consider external options, with Hanigan and Christian Vazquez both out. Swihart may not remain with Boston for the rest of the season, and the organization will monitor his defense, which has been questioned as he progressed through the Red Sox's minor league system.

ESPN's Buster Olney notes the Red Sox are concerned with Hanigan's status because it is beyond the expected recovery time for a broken bone. Hanigan, 34, posted a .222/.354/.315 batting line in 19 games before going down. Despite Swihart's performance, the Red Sox could still seek alternative catching options because of the uncertainty with regard to the Hanigan situation.

Sandy Leon and Humberto Quintero are both available in Triple-A, although Leon's offense has been questioned and Quintero has spent his career as a backup. Dioner Navarro and Welington Castillo could be potential targets for the Red Sox, who may not be inclined to make a trade or signing before evaluating Swihart at the major league level.