Jackie Bradley Jr.’s difficult season continued Monday as the Boston Red Sox sent Bradley to Triple-A Pawtucket and recalled rookie outfielder Mookie Betts.
Bradley has played remarkable defense in center field for the Red Sox this season, but the 24-year-old’s bat has remained silent. He’s hitting just .216 in 112 games this season including 111 strikeouts in 387 plate appearances. Bradley’s offensive struggles have reached a new point in August, though. He’s hitting just .143 (5-for-35) with 15 strikeouts in just 14 games.
Betts is returning to the big leagues for the third time this season. He was last at the major league level in early August where he appeared in three games. In 13 games this season, Betts is hitting .244 with a home run and two RBIs. Betts has had a terrific year in the minors. He hit .355 with Double-A Portland to begin the year before being promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket where he’s hitting .335 in 45 games.
Bradley might not be in Pawtucket for long, though. It certainly would make sense for the Red Sox to recall him from Triple-A when the rosters expand on Sept. 1 to get him work at the major league level.
