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Before Monday night's game against the Rays, the Red Sox activated third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the disabled list. As a corresponding move, they have designated Pedro Ciriaco for assignment, as he is out of options. The club made the announcement via press release early Monday evening.
After a poor start to the season, Middlebrooks has been on the shelf since May 23 due to lower back inflammation. On the heels of a successful rookie campaign in 2012, Middlebrooks is hitting just .201/.234/.408 with eight homers, 21 RBI and 12 doubles in 46 games this season.
In five games with Triple-A Pawtucket on a minor-league rehab assignment, Middlebrooks seems to have gotten more comfortable in the box. He hit .294/.429/.647 with two homers and six RBI. Perhaps most important, he drew four walks while striking out three times. In 121 career big-league games, Middlebrooks has drawn only 20 walks while having struck out 124 times.
Jose Iglesias is hitting .444/.500/.593 in 16 games since being recalled to serve as Middlebrooks' primary replacement at third, but Middlebrooks is in the Red Sox lineup Monday night. So, at least for now, he appears to have retained his job, despite the poor start and the success of Iglesias in his stead.
