18 Mitch Moreland 1B

Moreland (back) returns to the lineup Saturday against the Royals, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Moreland was pulled from Tuesday's game against the Nationals due to back spasms and sat out the next two games. The injury was apparently not a serious one and he'll end up avoiding a trip to the disabled list.

Moreland (back) is expected to rejoin the lineup Saturday in Kansas City, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

He will miss his second consecutive game Friday, with Steve Pearce getting the start at first base. Moreland should return for the favorable matchup against righty Brad Keller.

Moreland (back) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Royals, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Moreland exited Tuesday's game with back spasms and was held out of the lineup Wednesday, and apparently needs at least another day before making a return. Steve Pearce will start at first base and bat fourth for the Red Sox in his absence Friday.

Moreland (back) won't play in Wednesday's series finale against the Nationals, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The back spasms initially cropped up while running the bases, so he'll remain on the bench Wednesday and grab an additional day of rest before Thursday's off day. Steve Pearce will likely take over at first base for the Red Sox in the meantime, while Moreland rests up for a potential return Friday.

Moreland was taken out of Tuesday's game in the third inning due to back spasms, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Moreland appeared to have sustained the injury while lunging for a wild throw from Rafael Devers to end the second frame. With the Red Sox having a scheduled off day Thursday, it seems likely that Moreland will remain on the bench for Wednesday's series finale against the Nationals. Expect to receive another update on his status once he's been reevaluated in the coming hours.