Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks has been reactivated from the disabled list and will return to the starting lineup in Monday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Middlebrooks was placed on the 15-day DL two weeks ago with a lower back strain and has appeared in five games for Triple-A Pawtucket, in which he batted .294 with two home runs and six RBI.
Prior to landing on the DL, Middlebrooks was having a mediocre season at best, batting a paltry .201 with eight home runs and 21 RBI, as well as a .234 OBP in 46 games.
With Middlebrooks’ return, a hot-hitting Jose Iglesias will be relegated to the bench. Iglesias has been impressive for Boston in Middlebrooks’ absence, providing strong offense and defense at the hot corner. In eight games this month, Iglesias is batting .464 (13-for-28) with a .545 OBP and 1.188 OPS.
Boston will designate utility man Pedro Ciriaco for assignment to make room for Middlebrooks on the 40-man roster.
