Jose Iglesias has been clamoring for another shot at the majors since he was sent to Pawtucket in early April. Now, he’ll have his chance.
With Will Middlebrooks being placed on the 15-day disabled list with a back strain, Iglesias will start at third base when the Red Sox host the Cleveland Indians on Friday night. It will be the 23-year-old’s first appearance with the big league club since April 8.
Iglesias had great success while filling in for shortstop Stephen Drew to begin the season, going 9-for-20 over six games. He was sent down to Triple-A upon Drew’s return, though, where he hit .202 with four home runs and 15 RBIs in 33 games for the PawSox. The Pawtucket coaching staff has been trying Iglesias out at positions other than his usual spot at shortstop, but Friday will mark the first time he has played another infield position in the majors.
He’ll bat in the No. 9 hole as the Sox look to rebound from a 12-3 trouncing at the hands of Terry Francona‘s Indians on Thursday.
Iglesias’ promotion was just one roster move in what was a day of hectic player maneuvering. Right fielder Shane Victorino joined Middlebrooks on the DL after missing the last three games with a hamstring strain, and catcher Ryan Lavarnway was optioned back to Triple-A to make room for David Ross, who returns from the seven-day concussion DL.
The team has also called up right-hander Alfredo Aceves, who was sent down to Pawtucket after posting an 8.66 ERA through five appearances with Boston in April. He will likely be used in a bullpen role.
See the full lineups for both teams below.
Boston Red Sox (28-20)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Daniel Nava, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Mike Carp, LF
Stephen Drew, SS
Jose Iglesias, 3B
John Lackey, RHP
Cleveland Indians (27-19)
Michael Bourn, CF
Jason Kipnis, 2B
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Nick Swisher, 1B
Carlos Santana, C
Jason Giambi, DH
Mark Reynolds, 3B
Michael Brantley, LF
Drew Stubbs, RF
Justin Masterson, RHP
