Mookie Betts’ time has finally arrived.
The highly-touted second baseman/outfielder has been called up by the Boston Red Sox from Triple-A Pawtucket and will join the team in New York for Saturday night’s game against the Yankees, the team announced.
Starting pitcher Rubby De La Rosa has been optioned to Pawtucket to make room for Betts on the MLB roster.
The 21-year-old saw increased time in right field this week after outfielder Shane Victorino was shut down from baseball activities after tweaking his back during his minor league rehab stint.
Betts has split time between Triple-A Pawtucket and Double-A Portland this season but has excelled in both locations, compiling a .345 average with eight homers, 70 runs scored, 48 RBIs and 29 stolen bases in 77 games played.
Manager John Farrell hinted before Friday’s game that the team could add another position player, and Betts could provide a much-needed spark in the outfield for a Red Sox team that has struggled mightily to score runs this season.
