The return of Dustin Pedroia was not the only roster move made by the Red Sox on Tuesday.
To make room for Pedroia, Boston optioned left-handed reliever Dustin Richardson to Triple-A Pawtucket. In addition, adding to the ever-changing outfield situation, the Sox placed Eric Patterson on the disabled list with a strained neck and recalled Daniel Nava for the third time this season.
According to manager Terry Francona, Patterson was having trouble moving his neck at the tail end of the series in Texas. Patterson is expected to be ready to play again in less than two weeks, but the club didn't want to take the risk of being shorthanded while he recovered.
Patterson is hitting .254 with two home runs and six RBIs in 29 games with the Red Sox since being acquired in a trade with Oakland near the end of June. He is the 18th player to be placed on the DL this year.
Nava hit .290 with a home run and 16 RBIs in 30 games spread over two stints with Boston earlier this year.
Richardson has a 2.61 ERA in 26 appearances out of the Red Sox' bullpen.
