Blake Swihart placed on the minor-league disabled list

A rough start to the year for Blake Swihart just got a little rougher. After missing some time early in the season following a collision with Sam Travis and a massive slump at the plate upon his return, the former number one prospect in the farm system is now on the seven-day disabled list for Pawtucket. The news was announced among a flurry of other roster moves for the PawSox.

It is unclear how this injury happened, but as of now there has been no indication that it will keep him out for a significant period of time. For now, Pawtucket will roll with Dan Butler as their primary catcher and Tim Roberson as the backup. If something happens to one of Boston’s starting backstops in the next few days, Butler will be the call-up.

Some are already calling for Swihart to come up to the majors amidst the slump being experienced by Sandy Leon. This is just another indication that Swihart isn’t quite there yet, and hasn’t been all season. There’s no word that this finger injury has bothered him all year, but it could explain his .208/250/.375 line to start the year.

Swihart is eligible to return from the disabled list on May 7, and if he starts to hit for the next few weeks after coming back, it could be time to look into a change. He needs to get right in Triple-A before the Red Sox can consider calling him up to the bigs, though.