The Red Sox made a last-minute decision prior to Tuesday's game with Tampa Bay to keep outfielder Darnell McDonald with the team and designate reliever Scott Atchison for assignment, as Jacoby Ellsbury is still dealing with some side issues.
Manager Terry Francona had said after Monday's game that McDonald would be designated for assignment when fellow outfielder Mike Cameron was activated before Tuesday's game.
Ellsbury, who returned from four fractured ribs Saturday, was out of the lineup but it was originally considered a normal day off. When word surfaced that he was still feeling some discomfort in his side, the club elected to drop Atchison and keep McDonald.
The 26-year-old Ellsbury went 1-for-14 in three games since returning. He made one tumbling catch in center field over the weekend in Philadelphia.
Atchison, 34, was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday but did not pitch. Atchinson is still a member of the Sox despite being designated for assignment. The move is procedural and he is expected to be optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday.
McDonald, who has hit .263 with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 31 games for the big club, is available off the bench Tuesday.
