Mitch Moreland has been on the injured list with a lower back strain since May 29, but the power-hitting first baseman is now ready for his return to the lineup.
The Boston Red Sox announced Friday that Moreland was reinstated from the 10-day injured list after missing the team’s last 10 games. The 33-year-old leads the Red Sox with 13 home runs and a .550 slugging percentage.
Moreland will bat fifth and play first base in his return to the order, which is Friday’s series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Right-handed pitcher Ryan Weber was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room for Moreland on the 25-man roster. Weber has appeared in six games for Boston, posting a 1-1 record with a 5.12 ERA in 19 1/3 innings pitched.
