BOSTON — The Red Sox’s lineup finally is taking shape.
Outfielder Shane Victorino was activated off the 15-day disabled list before Thursday’s game against the New York Yankees, and third baseman Will Middlebrooks isn’t far behind. Middlebrooks is expected to be activated off the DL this weekend when the Red Sox play the Blue Jays in Toronto, according to Boston manager John Farrell.
Middlebrooks, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list April 6 because of a calf strain he suffered while running pregame sprints the day prior, has been rehabbing this week with Triple-A Pawtucket. The 25-year-old went 0-for-4 with the PawSox in a rehab game Thursday, but more importantly, he came away from the contest without any physical issues.
Farrell said Middlebrooks likely will fly with the team to Toronto after Thursday’s game. An activation soon will follow, at which point infielder Brock Holt likely will be shipped back to Pawtucket.
The return of both Victorino and Middlebrooks certainly gives the Red Sox’s offense some stability it hasn’t yet had this season.
“(We’re getting) the continuity and some stability with the names that we anticipated breaking camp with, and three and a half weeks into the season, we’re finally getting there,” Farrell said.
Middlebrooks hit .231 (3-for-13) with a homer in four games before landing on the DL.
