Red Sox sent RHP Brayan Villarreal outright to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Villarreal had been designated for assignment in order to make room on the roster for Grady Sizemore. The 26-year-old will be in big league camp in spring training but is likely to start the season at Triple-A.

Red Sox designated RHP Brayan Villarreal for assignment.

Villarreal struggled in a big way in 2013, allowing 10 runs in just 4 1/3 innings between the Tigers and Red Sox. The 26-year-old was removed from the roster to make room for Grady Sizemore. He'll likely catch on with another team in short order.

Red Sox recalled RHP Brayan Villareal from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Villarreal, who was acquired from the Tigers in July, made one appearance with the Red Sox in August. He'll pitch in middle relief.

Red Sox optioned RHP Brayan Villarreal to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Villarreal is no longer needed with Matt Thornton returning from the disabled list. He'll be back up when rosters expand in September.

Red Sox recalled RHP Brayan Villareal from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Villareal, who was acquired from the Tigers last month, owns a 4.56 ERA and 86/46 K/BB ratio over 75 innings in the major leagues. He figures to pitch in middle relief.

The Red Sox are expected to call up right-hander Brayan Villarreal on Monday.

No official word yet from the team. Villarreal, who was acquired from the Tigers in last month's Jake Peavy deal, owns a 4.56 ERA and 86/46 K/BB ratio in 75 innings in the majors.

Right-hander Brayan Villarreal was traded from the Tigers to the Red Sox in a seven-player deal.

Villarreal, 26, has a 4.56 ERA and an 86/46 K/BB ratio in 75 innings as a major leaguer. He seemed to be on his way to emerging as a key piece in the Tigers bullpen last year, but control became an especially big problem late and he was left off the postseason roster. This year has been a disaster for him -- he gave up 10 runs in 4 1/3 innings during his time in the majors -- but the fresh start could do him some good. He throws 94-98 mph, so he has some upside as a short reliever. The Red Sox will likely leave him in Triple-A for now.

Tigers optioned RHP Brayan Villarreal to Triple-A Toledo.

Villarreal was terrific for the Tigers last season, but he's struggled mightily in the early going this year, posting a 20.77 ERA over his first seven appearances. He'll get another shot later this summer.

Brayan Villarreal walked all three batters he faced and was charged with three runs Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Villarreal forced an inherited runner in with the third walk. After he left, Octavio Dotel immediately gave up a three-run double to score all of Villarreal's runners and leave the right-hander with a 54.00 ERA after three appearances. Villarreal threw really well this spring to perhaps enhance his status as a sleeper saves candidate, but now it's time to wonder if he might get sent down to get straightened out.

Brayan Villarreal worked a scoreless eighth inning on Friday, lowering his spring ERA to 1.80.

Villarreal and Joaquin Benoit aren't supposed to be in the mix for saves, but they've been the Tigers' two best relievers this spring. Villarreal, who was left off the postseason roster despite a successful 2012, has allowed two runs and posted a 12/3 K/BB ratio in 10 innings. His bullpen spot should be secure, but he'll probably be a middle reliever initially.

Brayan Villarreal (elbow) has resumed his throwing program.

Villarreal declared himself "full-go" for spring training after being shut down from pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League due to elbow soreness. The 25-year-old right-hander is expected to to open the season in the Tigers' bullpen, and will be a candidate to take on a more prominent role in 2013.

Brayan Villarreal has been shut down from pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League due to elbow soreness.

Villarreal tossed three scoreless innings with Caribes de Anzoategui before complaining of elbow soreness in mid-December. He was sent back to the United States for tests, which revealed inflammation but no structural damage. Still, the Tigers want him to play it safe and focus on being ready for spring training. The 25-year-old right-hander posted a 2.63 ERA and 66/28 K/BB ratio over 54 2/3 innings last season and should be a solid lock for a bullpen spot if healthy.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland told reporters on Saturday afternoon that he doesn't anticipate making any changes to his 25-man roster for the World Series.

Leyland admitted that he and his coaches were mulling the idea of carrying an additional pitcher into the National League park, but they'll likely roll with what's worked thus far. If the Tigers were to carry a 12th pitcher, it would likely be Brayan Villarreal at the expense of backup infielder Danny Worth.

Brayan Villarreal returned to action on Saturday August 18.

Brayan Villarreal underwent an MRI which showed minor flexor inflammation near his right elbow.

He'll likely miss this week's series against the Twins, but the Tigers aren't expected to place him on the disabled list. Villarreal has a 2.41 ERA and 48/18 K/BB ratio over 37 1/3 innings this season.

Brayan Villarreal returned to action on Tuesday July 17.

Brayan Villarreal was scheduled to see a neck specialist Monday.

Villarreal was unavailable over the weekend after tweaking his neck during a workout. It's not known if he'll require a stint on the disabled list.

Brayan Villarreal was unavailable for Detroit's three-game series against the Orioles over the weekend after tweaking his neck Friday during a workout.

"There is for me," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said when asked if there was escalating concern regarding Villarreal's status. "There doesn't seem to be with some of the people, but there is for me." Detroit is currently carrying eight relievers, in part because of Villarreal's injury. "He's not ready yet, which is a shock," Leyland said. "That neck is just lingering on. I don't know what's going on with that."

Tigers optioned RHP Brayan Villarreal to Triple-A Toledo.

Villarreal is going to be on the Detroit-to-Toledo-and-back shuttle all year long. This is already the fourth time this year that he's hopped rosters. In this case, he's making room for Doug Fister, who was activated from the disabled list. He'll be back soon.

Tigers optioned RHP Brayan Villarreal to Triple-A Toledo.

Saturday's starter Adam Wilk will replace him on the active roster. Villarreal has didn't allow a run in either of his first two relief appearances this season.