Before Wednesday's game, the Red Sox placed designated hitter David Ortiz on 15-day disabled list and promoted Gomez. It came just four days after the team optioned Gomez to Pawtucket and activated Clay Buchholz.
In between his stints, Gomez managed to play one game in Triple-A, where he went 3-for-4 with one home run. During his last stint with the Red Sox, Gomez keyed the offense, collecting eight hits and three RBIs in six games.
"I wasn't surprised, fortunately I've done pretty well down [in Pawtucket]," Gomez said of the quick turnaround. "I have a lot [of confidence] from being here last time. This is where you want to be and I'm going to go hard and give it a 100 percent."
There was speculation that Red Sox skipper Bobby Valentine would elevate Pawtucket Red Sox catcher Ryan Lavarnway to become the team's designated hitter. In 73 games for the PawSox, Lavarnway has blasted eight homers and 39 RBIs.
But Gomez's last go-around with the Red Sox left a strong impression on Valentine.
"Seemed like he was the guy who was going to fill the bill," Valentine said. "And once David left, we really had no backup first baseman."
On Wednesday, Gomez started at DH. Considering the 27-year-old filled in for Will Middlebrooks at third base –– a position he hadn't played since 2009 –– and committed four errors, he expects to be a bit more comfortable in his latest stint.
"Of course, that's not my natural position," Gomez said of playing third base. "But up here, you play wherever they want you to play. When you're given an opportunity, you better take advantage of it."
And that's what he plans to accomplish.
Have a question for Didier Morais? Send it to him via Twitter at @DidierMorais or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.
Thumbnail photo via Facebook/Mauro Gomez
