0 Brandon Phillips 2B

Phillips went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer, two walks and an additional two runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Braves.

Phillips started his tenure with the Red Sox off with a bang, taking A.J. Minter deep with two outs in the top of the ninth inning to give Boston a 9-8 lead in what was his first big-league start of the season. He also reached on a pair of walks and an error. The veteran infielder is expected to serve as a bench player for the Red Sox down the stretch, though he showed he still has a little something left in the tank.

Phillips will be called up by the Red Sox on Tuesday, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports.

The veteran didn't find a team until late June and has spent the season in the minors, hitting a strong 302/.348/.477 in 38 games for Triple-A Pawtucket. At age 37, Phillips still has good contact ability and the speed to steal a few bases, but he'll largely be a veteran presence on the bench for Boston, limiting his fantasy value.

Phillips (hand) returned to the lineup for Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday and went 3-for-6 with a walk, a double and two RBI.

He made a quick turnaround after being plunked on the hand Saturday. However, the 37-year-old is slashing just .229/.341/.314 with Pawtucket, and after the Red Sox acquired Ian Kinsler from the Angels on Tuesday, it's looking doubtful that we see Phillips with the big-league team anytime soon if at all.

Phillips was diagnosed with a left hand contusion Sunday after X-rays returned negative, Brendan McGair of The Pawtucket Times reports.

Phillips was forced out of his game Saturday with Triple-A Pawtucket after being struck on the hand, but it appears he was fortunate to avoid a significant injury. He could be available off the bench for Pawtucket on Sunday and should rejoin the lineup in short order. Phillips is hitting .172/.294/.241 across 34 plate appearances since reporting to the International League.

Phillips left Saturday's game for Triple-A Pawtucket after being hit on the left hand by a pitch, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

The timing couldn't be worse for Phillips, as Rafael Devers (hamstring) was injured Saturday and is likely headed to the disabled list, so Phillips could have been a replacement option if he were healthy. He was hitting .235/.317/.333 with one home run in 15 games across stops with short-season Lowell and Pawtucket.