More photos » by Winslow Townson - AP

4 months ago: Boston Red Sox's Mark Kotsay, right, is congratulated by manager Terry Francona after the Red Sox defeated the Seattle Mariners 8-4 in a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston on Sunday, July 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

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With the arrival of Adam LaRoche, the Red Sox designated Mark Kotsay for assignment.

The club now has 10 days to either trade or release him.

"When we got Adam, [the roster] got a little redundant," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said of the club’s decision to part with Kotsay, who did not immediately return a call from the Globe. "It doesn’t make it a fun decision or a fun message. This is a guy who came in last year and immediately became a leader in our clubhouse."

Kotsay knew that the Red Sox needed offensive help. He just didn’t think he would be the man sacrificed to get it.

"I would say no,’’ Kotsay said by phone when asked if he foresaw being the odd man out after the club acquired LaRoche. "Obviously, through the process of evaluating the club and understanding that offensively we weren’t getting the job done, their making a move for a bat didn’t surprise me. Getting caught up in the situation was more unexpected, I think.’’

It was a move we all kind of expected. LaRoche is on the bench to start tonight's game versus the Orioles.