Prior to the start of a three game set against the Houston Astros, the Boston Red Sox placed rookie catcher Blake Swihart on the 15-day disabled list with a foot injury. Along with that move, the Red Sox also activated outfielder Shane Victorino from the 15-day disabled list, while optioning former top prospect Jackie Bradley Jr. to Triple-A Pawtucket. On top of that right handed pitcher Noe Ramirez was called up to the majors, where he'll give a taxed bullpen a fresh arm to work with.
Catcher Blake Swihart had been playing a bit banged up lately as he continued to try and get in a rhythm in his first major league season. After sliding awkwardly into third base against the Royals a few weeks back, he has been having some discomfort in his small left toe. With the Red Sox finally having some solid depth back at the catcher position thanks to Ryan Hanigan's return, they no longer need to lean so heavy on the rookie catcher. Not to mention, the Red Sox are now able to push off the decision as to what they are going to do with fellow catcher Sandy Leon and his spot on the team.
It's been another tough season for Shane Victorino who is finally back with the Red Sox after recovering from an injured left calf in late May. He is expected to return to the starting lineup Saturday, and will share time in right field with new Red Sox outfielder Alejandro De Aza. With Victorino only being a right handed batter now, and De Aza a lefty, some type of platoon is likely going to be put in place to ensure each one gets their playing time.
Defensive wiz Jackie Bradley Jr. being sent back down to Triple-A is no surprise when looking at the current log jam in the outfield. With Shane Victorino now back, and De Aza being on fire, there was no other possible move to be made. For the first time at the major league level in 2015 though, Bradley Jr. showed some life in his bat. He is no longer just heading to the plate and being completely overmatched. He's putting up solid at-bats against good pitching. Throughout the season Jackie has dominated down in Pawtucket, so it shouldn't be too long before he's back patrolling Fenway's outfield in 2015.
After a tough series against the Blue Jays, that taxed the Red Sox bullpen, 25-year-old Noe Ramirez was called up to throw a fresh arm into the mix. The former 2011 fourth round pick has had strong success in his first taste of Triple-A this season, posting a cool 2.42 ERA over 26 innings with a 1.19 WHIP. In order to free up a spot for the righty on the 40-man roster, pitcher Zeke Spruill was designated for assignment.
The Red Sox currently sit six games back of first place in the AL East, after coming off a pretty positive road trip. If they can have a solid homestand at Fenway before heading into the All-Star break, it could go a long towards them making some noise in the second half of the season.