Red Sox claim infielder Taylor Motter off waivers from Rockies

Motter, who turns 32 later this month, had been designated for assignment by Colorado on Monday after appearing in just 13 games for the team since having his contract selected on August 10.

In those 13 games, the right-handed hitter went just 3-for-20 (.150) at the plate with two runs scored, two walks, and six strikeouts over 22 plate appearances while primarily being used off the bench as a pinch-hitter.

The 31-year-old initially inked a minor-league deal with the Rockies back in March and had posted a .335/.460/.759 slash line with 16 doubles, one triple, 24 home runs, 57 RBI, 54 runs scored, 49 walks, and 49 strikeouts over 67 games (265 plate appearances) for Triple-A Albuquerque before getting called up.

Originally selected by the Rays in the 17th round of the 2011 amateur draft out of Coastal Carolina University, Motter has played in a total of 154 major-league games with Tampa Bay, the Mariners, the Twins, and the Rockies dating back to 2016.

Since debuting with the Rays in 2016, Motter owns a lifetime slash line of .189/.261/.304 to go along with 15 doubles, 10 home runs, 37 RBI, 44 runs scored, 13 stolen bases, 38 walks, and 95 strikeouts in the majors.

He has also played for the New Britain Bees of the independent Atlantic League and the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization.

While drafted as a shortstop and seeing the majority of his big-league playing time come at that position, the Florida native does also have experience at first base, second base, third base, left field, and right field.

Given the defensive versatility that Motter can provide, the Red Sox must have felt as though the 6-foot-1, 195 pounder would be an apt fit on account of the COVID-19 difficulties the club is currently going through.

Put another way, with the likes of Christian Arroyo, Xander Bogaerts, Yairo Munoz, and Enrique Hernandez all on the COVID-19 related injured list at the moment, Motter gives Boston some experienced depth in both the infield and outfield.

The Red Sox did not have to make a corresponding move when adding Motter to their 40-man roster on account of the eight players currently on the COVID-related IL.

Additionally, Motter does have one minor-league option remaining and is under club control through 2025, so there is that to consider as well.