4 Brandon Phillips 2B

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.

Phillips has reported to Boston's extended spring training facility, Bill Ballou of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports.

Phillips hasn't played all year, so he'll need to get himself into game shape while in Florida. After that will come a placement at Triple-A Pawtucket, where the organization will have him play both second and third base. The upside is that he'll provide depth for injured second baseman Dustin Pedroia (knee), with Phillips' four Gold Gloves representing a defensive upgrade on Eduardo Nunez or Brock Holt.

Phillips inked a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Phillips will provide the organization with a little extra depth at second base as Dustin Pedroia remains sidelined with a knee injury. It's expected that Phillips will report to Triple-A Pawtucket upon his arrival. Over 144 games between the Braves and Angels last year, he hit .285/.319/.416 with 13 home runs, 60 RBI and 11 stolen bases.