MLB teams
Tony Lee 9y

Red Sox activate Shane Victorino, send Blake Swihart to disabled list

MLB, Boston Red Sox

BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox activated right fielder Shane Victorino from the 15-day disabled list in a series of moves before Friday's series-opening 12-8 loss to the Houston Astros at Fenway Park.

Catcher Blake Swihart (toe) was placed on the DL; outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket, and right-hander Zeke Spruill was designated for assignment.

Victorino, who hit the DL in May with a left calf strain, figures to split time with red-hot Alejandro De Aza, though manager John Farrell indicated it will not be a true platoon. He said Victorino will be in the lineup Saturday against Astros righty Collin McHugh.

"Tremendous amount of energy. He talks the game ... talking in the dugout. We've missed that voice," Farrell said of Victorino, who hit .255 in 20 games earlier this season. "His in-game decisions are outstanding and defense in this ballpark in right field."

De Aza will be a tough sit for Farrell, as the veteran has sparked Boston's improved offense of late. He is 14-for-30 with three homers, three triples and 11 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.

Swihart was hurt June 20 in Kansas City and managed to play four times through pain before the DL stint became necessary. The return of Ryan Hanigan this week gave the club three catchers and afforded some downtime for Swihart, who has impressed since being rushed into duty in the wake of multiple injuries.

"His intelligence, his toughness, as evidence by playing with the injury, ability to keep the game speed under control mentally, his awareness," Farrell said of Swihart. "There are a lot of positives here with Blake."

In other news:

• Second baseman Dustin Pedroia, on the DL since June 25 with a right hamstring strain, has increased his baseball activities and continues to ramp up the running.

"He's on the up elevator," Farrell said.

• Outfielder Daniel Nava will continue his rehab from a left thumb strain at Pawtucket. Nava went 1-for-3 in his first game back Thursday and is expected in the PawSox lineup Friday.

• Coming off a 5-2 road trip against division rivals, the Sox are hoping to carry the momentum into Fenway. They have lost seven of their past nine at home and are 17-21 overall at Fenway, a home park that usually plays into their hands.

"We've got some momentum coming off this road trip. We need to make Fenway a place that is to our advantage, and that hasn't particularly been the case," Farrell said.

Boston plays 17 of its next 24 games in Fenway Park.

^ Back to Top ^