Will Middlebrooks recalled; Brock Holt optioned

Apr 4, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (16) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

In the wake of the 14-5 drubbing at the hands of the Yankees tonight, at least Red Sox fans have some good news. Will Middlebrooks is being activated for the Toronto series starting tomorrow night. Brock Holt was able to spend longer than one day in town this time, but after seven starts at third base, he is on his way back to Pawtucket. Holt actually performed very well in this stint on the major league club, hitting .348 in 28 plate appearances with an .864 OPS and four RBI. While it likely did not make a difference to his demotion, Holt did not exactly shine at third base tonight, committing an error as well as boxing around another ball that could have resulted in an out, but was scored as a hit.

Middlebrooks is hoping to spark the club, which lost two of three to the Yankees. He played only four games before hurting his calf running before a game. He managed one home run and an .872 OPS in 15 plate appearance before going on the disabled list. He might have returned earlier, but he was slowed in his rehab by a case of the flu. Middlebrooks only managed six at bats at Pawtucket with five strikeouts but fans should not take that too much to heart. It is a small sample size and his presence there was only to get him healthy.

Holt definitely impressed in this brief stint in the majors, but now that Middlebrooks is back, they can say that they have the starting club they envisioned coming out of Spring Training.