The Red Sox have parted ways with catcher George Kottaras, who served as the primary backup to starter Jason Varitek for the first half of this season and as Tim Wakefield’s personal catcher.

Kottaras’ release is little surprise, as Victor Martinez is slated to be the team’s catcher in 2010, with Varitek returning as his backup.

Kottaras, 26, is out of minor league options, meaning he can no longer be shuttled up and down between the minor leagues and the majors without being exposed to other teams.

Shortly after his release, Kottaras was claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers.

The midseason acquisition of Martinez also helped make Kottaras expendable; Unlike Varitek, Martinez has proven that he can catch Wakefield’s knuckleball.

The Canadian-born Kottaras was acquired in 2006 from San Diego for pitcher David Wells. He hit .237 with a .308 On-base percentage, one home run, 11 doubles, and 10 RBI in 93 games for Boston this season.

Kottaras began 2010 playing every fifth day, catching Wakefield’s starts, but with Wakefield injured for most of the season’s second half, Kottaras sat out as well, placed on the disabled list with what appeared to be an extremely minor back injury.

dbarbari@projo.com