Brayan Villarreal Clears Waivers, Headed to Pawtucket

Red Sox right-hander Brayan Villarreal has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A, the team announced. The hard-throwing 26-year-old was designated for assignment last week in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Grady Sizemore. Villarreal was acquired from the Tigers as part of the three-team Jake Peavy trade this past summer and walked the only batter he faced in a Red Sox uniform. He allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings for Boston's Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket and has been invited to Major League Spring Training.

He was 2-3 with a 2.76 ERA in 35 games between Toledo (28 games), Pawtucket (5 games) and two rehab appearances in Lowell. He allowed just one run while with the PawSox.