The Boston Red Sox kept rolling on Thursday, earning their seventh straight win with a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
There was some bad news after the game for two players, however, who were reportedly informed that they are being optioned to Triple-A Worcester to clear roster spots for Alex Bregman and Hunter Dobbins, both of whom are expected to be activated from the injured list on Friday.
According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox are sending down infielder David Hamilton and relief pitcher Isaiah Campbell.
Campbell clears a spot on the pitching staff for Dobbins, who is slated to return from the 15-day IL and start on Friday against the Rays. It will be his first start since June 20, when he suffered a right elbow strain against the San Francisco Giants.
Story continues below advertisement
In 59 1/3 innings this season over 12 appearances (10 starts), the 25-year-old rookie is 4-1 with a 4.10 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP.
Campbell made just one appearance before being optioned, allowing two runs in two innings during Boston’s 10-2 rout of the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday.
Dobbins will be joined by Bregman, one of the team’s three All-Stars. He hasn’t played since May 23 due to a quad strain but is set to rejoin the lineup this weekend.
Bregman was off to an MVP-caliber start before going down, hitting .299/.385/.553 with 11 home runs, 17 doubles, 35 RBI and 2.9 WAR in 51 games.
Story continues below advertisement
Hamilton will make way for Bregman after struggling at the plate this season, batting .179/.229/.276 with 15 steals in a bench role.
With Masataka Yoshida coming off the IL on Wednesday, the Red Sox have received major reinforcements this week, just in time for the second half. They’re getting some valuable rotation depth and two of their best hitters back, which should give their lineup a boost down the stretch.
