Report: Trouble brewing between Red Sox, Will Middlebrooks

The Red Sox have become frustrated with third baseman Will Middlebrooks, according to Comcast Sportsnet. Middlebrooks was benched Wednesday night and is still plagued by a hand injury.

Middlebrooks has not homered in his last 194 at-bats, but John Farrell does not believe that is the result of any ailments.

"I don't think he's been limited any (more) than other players that deal with nagging ailments over the course of a full season," Farrell said. "There's been times when he's been unavailable, but to say it's been to the extent where he can't go, or can't play ... we're not at that point.

"He's missed time over the past couple of years, as we know. The inconsistent playing time has had some effect. Sure, he's banged up a little bit. But is that the sole reason why the powers numbers have dropped? I can't say that it is.

The Red Sox have been upset in the past at the refusal of Middlebrooks to commit to playing winter ball. He has earned just 215 at-bats this season while compiling a disturbing stat line of .191/.256/.265.