Papelbon expands pitchman duties

Jonathan Papelbon of the Boston Red Sox has increased his pitching workload - only it's products he's pitching, not just 97 m.p.h. fastballs.

Prime Motor Group, a Westwood-based string of auto dealerships, said today that Papelbon will be promoting its dealerships, which include a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Westwood, an Infiniti dealership in Hanover, and a Toyota dealership in West Roxbury.

Plans call for Papelbon to be the voice of Prime Motor Group's radio ads, and Papelbon will also be featured in signage throughout the dealerships, the company said.

The deal between Papelbon and Prime Motor Group was brokered with the help of WRKO, a radio station partner of the Boston Red Sox, Prime Motor Group said.

"Papelbon is certainly a fan favorite," Prime Motor Group president David Rosenberg said in a statement, "and we're thrilled to have him representing our brand."

Papelbon isn't just pitching Toyotas and Infinitis these days. He recently started appearing in TV ads for Dunkin' Donuts, the Canton-based coffee-and-baked-goods chain.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)