The Red Sox held a parade of sorts to commemorate May Day yesterday, with players coming and going from the roster – and at least one more move anticipated before the clock struck midnight.
In the short term, the Red Sox recalled shortstop Jose Iglesias from Triple A Pawtucket to be available. With Kevin Youkilis missing his third consecutive game because of a problematic back, the Red Sox needed a reinforcement on the left side of the infield, behind shortstop Mike Aviles and third base fill-in Nick Punto.
Iglesias is hitting .200 with a .274 on-base percentage, .212 slugging percentage and one double in 85 at-bats for Pawtucket.
To make room for Iglesias, the Red Sox optioned right-hander Junichi Tazawa to Pawtucket. But that move was not quite as simple as it seems. For while the transaction left the Red Sox with just 11 pitchers – and only 10 healthy with news emerging of a blister problem for Clay Buchholz yesterday – it is expected that pitcher Aaron Cook would be called up from Pawtucket.
Cook, who was 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA in five starts for Pawtucket, has an out in his contract with the Red Sox that allows him to seek his release, should he not be promoted. It is expected that the Red Sox will make the move and bring Cook to Boston, but it is unclear what Cook’s role will be on the staff. Unless Buchholz’s blister issue — which was downplayed — forces him to the disabled list, Cook is expected to join the bullpen.
The Red Sox will juggle the roster daily, especially with Youkilis’ status uncertain.
According to manager Bobby Valentine, Youkilis’ back has been an issue at different times since Saturday, during both batting and infield practice. Valentine left the door open for his placement on the DL.
“I can’t tell,” Valentine said.
But WEEI.com reported yesterday that Will Middlebrooks, who has been crushing Triple A pitching this season, is dealing with a sore thumb and might not be immediately available. That would allow the Red Sox to DL Youkilis and simply replace him with Cook.
