Franklin Morales

Red Sox and LHP Franklin Morales avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.4875 million contract.

The 26-year-old swingman is coming off a strong 2012 season in which he compiled a 3.77 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 76/30 K/BB ratio over 76 1/3 innings. He’ll head into spring training as a starter, and is well worth a late-round flyer in fantasy leagues due to his high strikeout potential.

Red Sox manager John Farrell said Saturday that Franklin Morales will open spring training as a starter.

Morales was used primarily as a reliever last season, but ended up finishing the year in the starting rotation. He posted a 3.77 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 76/30 K/BB ratio in 76 1/3 innings before being shut down with a shoulder injury in September. John Lackey (elbow) is also expected to be available for the start of spring training.

Red Sox activated LHP Franklin Morales from the 60-day disabled list.

Morales’ season ended prematurely due to inflammation in his left shoulder. He’s expected to be fine for spring training.

Red Sox transferred LHP Franklin Morales from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.

Morales was already considered unlikely to return this year, and now it’s official. The Red Sox said an MRI revealed “a pitcher’s shoulder,” which presumably means that the lefty just has some wear and tear and should be fine after an extended period of rest.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine suggested Tuesday that Franklin Morales (shoulder) is done for 2012.

Morales has been sidelined since late August with shoulder fatigue and hasn’t been able to build any strength. The right-hander will likely wind up with a 3.77 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 76/30 K/BB ratio in 76 1/3 innings.

Franklin Morales underwent an MRI on his left shoulder on Monday.

The results aren’t yet known and Morales is currently waiting to talk to the doctor. Morales was placed on the disabled list in late August with what was described as shoulder fatigue, but the southpaw said Tuesday that he’s feeling pretty good. Fantasy owners shouldn’t count on him this month, though.

Franklin Morales will undergo more tests on his ailing left shoulder.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Morales is in a “holding pattern” because his shoulder “doesn’t feel 100 percent.” He had been diagnosed with shoulder weakness, but it’s possible there’s something more going on in there. The left-hander’s season is almost surely over.

Red Sox placed LHP Franklin Morales on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 24, with left shoulder fatigue.

Morales has a history of shoulder weakness dating back to his Rockies days. He dealt with it in spring training, but it hadn’t been an issue during the season until now. Zach Stewart has been called up for rotation depth.

Franklin Morales was again hit hard in a no-decision against the Angels on Thursday, allowing six runs (two earned) on six hits in just 2 2/3 innings.

Morales fanned three while walking two in the abbreviated outing. After being staked to a 7-0 lead after two innings, the Angels struck back for eight runs in the top of the third, retaking the lead and chasing Morales from the game. A critical error by Pedro Ciriaco extended the inning and led to several of the runs being unearned. The young left-hander has now struggled badly in each of his last two outings, and could be in serious danger of losing his spot in the rotation once Daisuke Matsuzaka returns. He?ll look to get back on track when he battles these same Angels at home on Tuesday.