PAWTUCKET — When a minor-league catcher is referred to as a chameleon, it’s not meant to be an insult.

In fact, it’s considered a compliment, because it means he can handle every aspect of the job. According to Pawtucket Red Sox manager Ron Johnson, George Kottaras is a chameleon.

The PawSox catcher has been hot of late, and he continued his streak last night against the Syracuse Chiefs at McCoy Stadium. Despite an 8-6 loss, Kottaras went 3-for-5 with a pair of solo home runs and three RBI.

His performance backed up a comment made by Red Sox manager Terry Francona last Friday.

The Boston skipper called the 24-year-old catcher a solid prospect, but said Kottaras needed to remain in Pawtucket to continue his development. The comment came after Red Sox catcher Doug Mirabelli was injured and placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right calf muscle. Instead of recalling Kottaras, the parent club recalled veteran Kevin Cash because of his major-league (114 games) experience and his familiarity with catching a knuckleball.

Even though he would rather be in the majors, Kottaras said he understands the situation.

“I got off to a slow start [to the season], but I made it a point to stay focused and continue with my game plan,” he said. “I’ve made small adjustments, and ever since the All-Star break, things have really turned around for me. Now, I just want to finish up strong.”

Entering last night’s game, he was 25 for his last 81 (.309) with 9 doubles, 3 homers and 12 RBI.

The Red Sox don’t have a catching issue now, but need a long-term backup plan for Jason Varitek. The last catching prospect, Kelly Shoppach, was traded to Cleveland as part of the deal that brought Coco Crisp to Boston. Kottaras says he can handle the job if needed.

“I believe I can,” he said. “If I get an opportunity, I’m going to try to make the best of it. It’s not any easy gig. Boston’s very competitive. You have to be focused and know how to handle situations. I’m just trying to learn right now, ask questions and figure out how to handle things.”

Johnson says Kottaras has what it takes to make the next step.

“To me, he’s made a lot of strides with his receiving,” the manager said. “He’s also been a good receiver, but you get to be a major-league possibility at this level when you start comprehending all aspects of the game.”

Those aspects include all situations, the ability to call a game, which PawSox catchers mostly handle.

Is he a future major-leaguer?

“He’s got the ability,” said Johnson. “He’s got a lot of physical ability. He’s got arm strength. As far as receiving, he’s got soft hands, he’s got quickness and has big life in his bat. When he gets into a fastball, the ball is going out of the park.”

The 24-year-old crushed a solo homer in the bottom of the second inning last night that landed in the party area behind the right-field wall. He added a solo shot in the seventh to the same spot.

“For not a large man, he generates a tremendous amount of bat speed,” said Johnson. “He’s just in that learning phase.”

Kottaras had an opportunity for more fireworks in the bottom of the ninth inning. With the PawSox trailing by three runs, he stepped to the plate with one out and the bases loaded. He grounded into a fielder’s choice, but drove in a run. The PawSox’ Junior Spivey struck out on three straight fastballs to end the threat and the game.

“It was good to see,” Johnson said of Kottaras’ performance. “He has a lot of pop in his bat and you saw it tonight. It was real exciting in the ninth inning with the bases loaded. I told him anyone can hit two. A real man can hit three, like Reggie Jackson in the World Series. But it was a very impressive night for him.”

“I guess I’m not a real man in his book,” Kottaras said. “But all kidding aside, I didn’t go up there trying to make it happen. I just wanted to have a good at-bat and put a good swing on the ball. I think I did. I just got beat a little bit.”

jmcdonal@projo.com