BOSTON (AP) — Jarrod Saltalamacchia is preparing to be an everyday catcher for the first time, and he’s glad he has Jason Varitek to show him the ropes.
Saltalamacchia inherited the No. 1 job in Boston when All-Star Victor Martinez signed with the Detroit Tigers as a free agent. But the 25-year-old switch-hitter won’t be thrown into the job on his own. He has Varitek, the longtime Red Sox catcher and team captain, serving as a mentor.
General manager Theo Epstein says it’s a good working relationship because both players are comfortable with their roles.
Saltalamacchia was part of a panel discussion Friday night at a fundraiser for Epstein’s charity, The Foundation to be Named Later.
