Home... Transactions... Depth Chart... 40-Man Roster... 2024 Projected Rosters... Podcast
News.... Lineups.... Stats.... Draft History.... International Signings.... Scouting Log.... Forum

SoxProspects News

May 2, 2012 at 3:45 PM

Flurry of roster moves leaves Middlebrooks, Mortenson, Cook in Boston


Will Middlebrooks (Kelly O'Connor)
Will Middlebrooks has been promoted to Boston and will start tonight at third base according to Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine. Middlebrooks' promotion was made possible by the team optioning first baseman/outfielder Lars Anderson to Triple-A Pawtucket after last evening's game. News of Middlebrooks being promoted was first reported earlier today by CSNNE's Maureen Mullen on Twitter

Middlebrooks, 23, is Boston's top prospect and has gotten off to a torrid start at Pawtucket in 2012. In 24 games this season, Middlebrooks hit .333/.380/.677 with 9 home runs and 27 RBI while playing stellar defense at third base. The timing of Middlebrooks' promotion coincides with third baseman Kevin Youkilis' injury concerns that have caused him to be out of the lineup since April 28.

In some additional roster maneuvering, Aaron Cook exercised the opt-out clause in his contract and will be added to the Red Sox roster shortly for a spot start on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles. This news was also first reported by Valentine during his time on today's WEEI broadcast. Cook, 33, has pitched well this season in Pawtucket, compiling a 3-0 record with a 1.89 ERA and 2 complete games in 5 starts. The right-hander has reportedly drawn significant interest from other clubs looking for starting pitching help. A corresponding roster move for Cook's arrival in Boston has yet to be made. 

Additionally, Mullen reports that right-hander Clay Mortenson has also been recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket. The corresponding roster move to add Mortenson to the roster will be infielder Jose Iglesias being optioned back to Pawtucket. Iglesias was recalled from Pawtucket before yesterday's game when the team optioned reliever Junichi Tazawa down to Triple-A. Moretnson, 27, was acquired by the Red Sox from the Colorado Rockies this offseason in exchange for infielder Marco Scutaro. In 6 appearances out of the bullpen for the PawSox this season, Mortenson has a 0.90 ERA with 10 strikeouts and 1 save in 10.0 innings pitched.

UPDATE, 4:50 pm: The Red Sox have announced that Kevin Youkilis has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back injury. Contrary to prior reports, Iglesias has not been optioned back to Pawtucket.