NEW YORK, May 27 (UPI) -- The Boston Red Sox Friday bought the contract of veteran first baseman John Olerud.
The 36-year-old Olerud, a former Yankee, signed a minor league deal with Boston on May 1 and has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket. The two-time all-star and three-time Gold Glove winner has a career batting average of .295, with 248 homers and 1,193 RBIs in 2,147 games.
Boston has lost seven of its past 10 games heading into the holiday weekend showdown against the Yankees in New York. The Yankees have won 15 of their last 17 contests, including 13 straight at home.
The Sox also designated catcher Shawn Wooten for assignment and optioned relief pitcher Jeremi Gonzalez to Pawtucket. He joined the Sox on May 2 and was 1-1 in five games with a 6.65 ERA.
Also recalled was catcher Kelly Shoppach, who will be making his first trip to the major leagues.
