Mike Carp providing 'huge lift' for Red Sox

Red Sox outfielder Mike Carp came off the bench Wednesday to homer for the second straight game. He's benefited from extra playing time with Shane Victorino (back) hurt, batting .462 (6 for 13) with two doubles, two home runs and four RBI in his last five games.

"He’s given us a huge lift," manager John Farrell said, per the Boston Herald. "If you consider the combination of him and Jonny (Gomes) in left field, obviously Daniel’s (Nava) production whether in left field or right field speaks for itself, it’s given additional at-bats for both Mike and Jonny and that combination has been very productive on both sides of the ball."