Alex Wilson called up, Red Sox make multiple roster moves

The Red Sox today called up right-hander Alex Wilson (pictured) from Triple-A Pawtucket, and John Lackey was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Additionally, shortstop Stephen Drew was activated from from the 7-day disabled list as Jose Iglesias was optioned to Pawtucket. 

Wilson, 26, was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the second round of the 2009 amateur draft. A starter for most of his minor league career, Wilson switched to the bullpen during the 2012 campaign with Pawtucket. The move proved to be successful, as Wilson went 5-3 with a 3.72 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 40 games.

Wilson impressed many this spring, allowing just one run and two walks while punching out nine in 7 2/3 innings of relief. Wilson will be the first Saudi Arabian born pitcher to appear in a major league contest. SoxProspects Staff Writer, Kevin Pereira, recently talked to Wilson about entering his first full professional season as a reliever. 

Drew will make his Red Sox debut this evening after signing with the club this offseason. He returns from a concussion he suffered towards the end of spring training. The younger brother of former Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, Stephen completed a four game rehab assignment with Double-A Portland, going 2 for 13 with a home run. 

Iglesias will report to Triple-A Pawtucket after a very successful start to the 2013 season in Boston. The 23-year-old shortstop appeared in six games for the Red Sox, going 9 for 20 with two doubles, an RBI, and his usual stellar defense. 

Photo Credit: Alex Wilson by Kelly O'Connor

John Gray is a Staff Writer at SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @JohnRGray

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