Red Sox Place Sandy Leon on Paternity Leave

The Boston Red Sox will be without catcher Sandy Leon for part, if not all of the Houston Astro's series, as they placed him on paternity leave on Friday, May 17th.

Paternity leave can be up to 3 games. To replace Leon, the Red Sox called up Oscar Hernández, who has played in 16 games this season, between AA Portland and AAA Pawtucket. Hernández has thrown out 169 of 413 attempted base stealers (40.9%) during his minor league career, including seven out of 18 (38.9%) this season. He has attended spring training as a non-roster invitee with Boston in each of the last two years, having signed with the Red Sox as a minor league free agent in January 2018.

To make room for Hernández on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Chandler Shepherd was designated for assignment. He was 0-5 with a 10.01 ERA (33 ER/29.2 IP) in eight appearances (seven starts) for Pawtucket this season.

The Red Sox open a 3 game home series with the Houston Astros on Friday, May 17th. Rick Porcello is scheduled to pitch for Boston. The pregame starts at 6:10 with the 1st pitch at 7:10 Hear the game on AM 1370 WDEA in Ellsworth and Bar Harbor area and The Rock 101.9 FM, WOZI in Presque Isle.