The Red Sox are hopeful that Stephen Drew won’t require a disabled list stint, but they still needed to call up an infielder.
The Sox have purchased the contract of Jonathan Diaz, and reliever Clayton Mortensen has been designated for assignment, manager John Farrell said before Saturday’s game.
Diaz was en route to Fenway Park when Farrell announced the roster move, but he will be in the Red Sox’ starting lineup against the Blue Jays on Saturday. Diaz will bat ninth and play third base.
Saturday’s game will mark Diaz’s major league debut. The 28-year-old has kicked around the minors since being drafted in the 12th round by Toronto in 2006. Farrell said that he’ll bring good range and the ability to play all over the infield.
Mortensen, who is in the midst of his second season in Boston, was a victim of circumstance, but the decision was also performance-based. The right-hander is 1-2 with a 5.34 ERA in 30 1/3 innings out of the bullpen this season.
Farrell said that Drew, who suffered a hamstring injury while legging out a double Friday, walked on a treadmill Saturday. He’s day-to-day at this point, although Farrell said that the shortstop’s status has slightly improved.
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