Deven Marrero, the Red Sox first selection of the 2012 MLB entry draft (24th overall, first round), will be headed to the Lowell Spinners to kick off his professional career.

The sure-handed shortstop from Arizona State received a $2.05 million signing bonus, passed his physical on Tuesday and was introduced to the media at Fenway Park on Wednesday.

There is a great feature in the current issue of Baseball America about the character of Marrero who has had to face some hardships growing up. From all accounts he seems like a man that is matured well beyond his years and should be able to handle the pressures of playing in Boston.

Marrero is best friends with Kansas City’s Eric Hosmer, who he played high school baseball with at American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida.

The interesting twist to Marrero’s arrival in Lowell is that it will likely coincide with the start of Jose Iglesias’ rehab, which is expected to begin sometime this weekend.

Marrero may eventually push Iglesias at shortstop, so it should be interesting to see how they are managed when together on the same roster.

Mookie Betts will be the odd-man out at the position, but his speed should allow him ample opportunities to prove his worth. Being versatile at other positions wouldn’t hurt the youngster’s cause either.

Marrero was able to field some grounders and take some swings at Fenway prior to the Red Sox game versus the Marlins on Wednesday. He will join the Spinners in Connecticut on Thursday night.