OAKLAND -- Hector Velazquez received a warm welcome to the visitors' clubhouse at the Coliseum on Thursday afternoon before making his Major League debut in the Red Sox's series opener against the A's. Boston selected Velazquez from Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday while Chase d'Arnaud was designating utility man for assignment and right-hander Steven Wright was moved to the 60-day disabled list.
Despite having an eight-man bullpen, the Red Sox elected to pare d'Arnaud from the roster.
"Felt like carrying the extra pitcher, at this point, was the way to go," Red Sox manager John Farrell said.