The agent for Boston Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart has requested to be traded, according to NBC Sports Boston.

“Yes. We’ve had conversations with the team, and they’re aware of how we feel,” agent Brodie Scoffield told NBC Sports Boston. “Blake’s in a really difficult position. We’ve got a switch-hitter, offensive impact player, and his bat deserves a chance to be in the lineup.”

With Dustin Pedroia close to returning, Swihart’s spot on the Red Sox’s bench is becoming harder and harder to justify. Boston can only have 25 players on its roster, and it can’t waste one on someone who won’t play – no matter how high his potential is. The Red Sox can’t send him to the minors either, as he would likely be claimed off waivers by another team.

Meanwhile, considering the recent injury to Carson Smith, Boston could use another talented arm in its bullpen.

If the Red Sox can find a trade partner that is willing to give up a reliever for Swihart, they might finally give in to Swihart’s trade demand.

ASTROS: Houston recalled outfielder Tony Kemp from Triple-A Fresno after sending Jake Marisnick down.

Kemp was hitting .335 with a .841 OPS this season at Triple-A, including a 20-game hitting streak end that ended Tuesday.

Marisnick was hitting .141 in 34 games.

RAYS: Outfielder Carlos Gomez was put on the disabled list with a strained right groin, a day after he left a win over Kansas City in the sixth inning.

TWINS: Catcher Jason Castro will miss the rest of the season following surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee.

INDIANS: Edwin Encarnacion was scratched from Wednesday’s game because of back spasms.

METS: Yoenis Cespedes was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained right hip flexor, retroactive to Monday. It will be Cespedes’ fourth DL stint for a leg injury in the past three seasons, despite an offseason focus on better caring for his lower half.

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