Red Sox Surprisingly Option Infielder After Reinstating Tyler O’Neill

The Boston Red Sox made the tough choice by designating Dominic Smith for assignment with Triston Casas returning from injury.

And the Red Sox made another difficult, and somewhat surprising, decision prior to Saturday’s matchup against the Baltimore Orioles.

With Tyler O’Neill being reinstated from the 10-day injured list after dealing with a puzzling leg infection, the Red Sox decided to option rookie middle infielder Nick Sogard to Triple-A Worcester.

Sogard has been a fixture in the Red Sox lineup mostly at second base ever since making his MLB debut on Aug. 2. He started 12 of Boston’s last 14 games and became the first Red Sox player to reach base in his first six big league games since Rafael Devers did so in 2017.

Manager Alex Cora lauded Sogard’s switch-hitting ability as he brought versatility at the plate and in the field, where he played both second and short. Sogard did get off to a strong offensive start upon joining the Red Sox, but had hit a rough patch as of late with only three hits in his last 22 at-bats. He finished his first stint with Boston batting .227 with six RBIs and three stolen bases.

The Red Sox could have optioned Mickey Gasper instead of Sogard. Gasper, who primarily caught with Worcester and played a little second base, has yet to start a game since being called up Monday and has just two pinch-hit appearances over that time.

But the Red Sox will at least look to give Gasper a chance for the time being while leaning on David Hamilton and Romy Gonzalez at second base. Gonzalez received the start at second for Saturday’s tilt.

Boston getting O’Neill back a game after Casas returned is another big boost to its lineup. O’Neill is second on the team with 22 homers while accumulating 45 RBIs and a .268 batting average. O’Neill is also in the starting lineup Saturday.