Red Sox Recall Young Infielder Giving Chance To End Rough Season On High Note

BOSTON — This season has been a struggle for Boston Red Sox second baseman Vaughn Grissom.

Grissom spent most of the campaign either on the injured list with hamstring injuries or trying to find his game with Triple-A Worcester.

But the 23-year-old infielder, who the Red Sox acquired this offseason from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for this season’s likely National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale, has the chance to end his season on an encouraging note.

The Red Sox recalled Grissom prior to Friday’s series opener against the Minnesota Twins. Grissom last played for Boston on June 1. To make room for Grissom on the active roster, the Red Sox placed veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder on the 10-day injured list with a right forearm strain, effectively ending his season.

Grissom played in more than double the amount of games with Worcester (55) than the Red Sox (23). When Grissom’s rehab window came to a close in early August, the Red Sox decided to keep him in Triple-A.

The results at that level have been solid for the right-handed hitter, who was once a top prospect for the Braves. Grissom hit .259 with six home runs, 34 RBIs and 10 stolen bases during his time with Worcester.

Grissom’s performances in the big leagues left a lot to be desired, though. He hit just .148 (12-for-81) with no home runs and three RBIs with the Red Sox. But now, he has a chance at an early audition for the starting second base job with a top prospect pushing hard to make that his role in 2024.

Refsnyder continued to be a reliable outfield option for Alex Cora, especially against left-handed pitching. Refsnyder batted .302 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs against lefties while hitting .283 overall with 11 round-trippers and 40 runs driven in. He also played in a career-high 93 games.