Red Sox designate Ryan Roberts, recall Brock Holt

Brock Holt was recalled by the Red Sox (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports).

The Boston Red Sox today have designated infielder Ryan Roberts for assignment. WEEI’s Alex Speier broke the news:

The team also recalled utility man Brock Holt, who has been on a hot streak at Triple-A Pawtucket.

Roberts was signed April 7 to fill the void left by third basemen Will Middlebrooks who went on the 15-day disabled list. In eight games with the Red Sox (21 plate appearances) Ryan hit just .105/.227/.105/.333 with three walks and seven strikeouts.

Roberts is a nine-year veteran who has also played for the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays. In 518 total games he has hit .243/.320/.388/.708 with 46 HRs, 169 RBIs and 35 SBs.

Conversely, Holt is slashing .380/.446/.600/1.046 in 12 games with Pawtucket. Holt was called up originally to fill Middlebrooks’ roster slot but optioned back to Triple-A when Roberts was signed.

Holt, 25, was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played 26 games in Boston last year, hitting .203/.275/.237/.513 with 11 RBIs and one SB. He is expected to be eligible to play tonight against the Baltimore Orioles.

Middlebrooks was placed on the DL April 5 after straining a calf during warm-up sprints before that day’s game. He has also had a bout with the flu while recovering from his injury. Though eligible to rejoin the team next Monday, he is expected to have a minor league rehab assignment first.

In designating Roberts for assignment, the Red Sox remove him from the their 40-man roster. They have 10 days in which to place him on waivers, trade, release or outright to the minor leagues.