Red Sox Roster Moves: Cody Ross To Be Activated, Podsednik Hurt & Marrero Signs

The Red Sox may not be leading the AL East in terms of wins at this point but they are certainly among the league leaders in man-games lost due to injury.  In fact the Sox outfield has been the definition of the M.A.S.H unit for Major League Baseball with a total of ten different players slotted in the either right, center or left field (counting Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford).

So it should come as no real surprise that just when the club is expected to get Cody Ross back from the DL, Scott Podsednik goes down.

The 36-year old left Sunday’s game against the Cubs with what is being called “mild left groin discomfort.” Valentine doesn’t think the injury is serious but it will likely force Podsednik to miss some playing time.  A stint on the DL has not been confirmed or denied at this point and we will keep you posted if anything changes.

Podsednik has been a pleasant surprise for Boston since he was acquired from the Phillies back in May, hitting .387 with one home run and seven RBI along with six stolen bases.  He’s given Bobby V some versatility when it comes to not having a set lead off man and has proven that his veteran legs can still get the job done on the grandest stage.

As mentioned, Cody Ross is set to return to the big club and it’s expected that he will be activated on Tuesday after going 1-for-7 during his rehab assignment in Pawtucket over the weekend. He’s been out since the middle of May and prior to his absence he was hitting .271 with 8 home runs and 28 RBI, all the while gaining popularity with Red Sox Nation for his ability to change the nature of a game with one, or two swings of the bat. When the Sox offense was sputtering in May, it was Ross who would give the club a much needed boost.  To have him back and ready to go will be another shot in the arm for the Olde Towne Team.

In other news, the Red Sox signed their first-round pick, Deven Marrero to a bonus of $2.05 million. The shortstop from Arizona State was the 24th overall pick in the first round and is noted for his slick defensive skills. According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, Marrero’s signing makes it 10 for 12 draft picks to be signed by the Sox with LHP Brian Johnson and RHP Austin Maddox being the lone unsigned.  Both hurlers are playing for the University of Florida in the College World Series and as Abraham notes, it is expected they will sign with Boston shortly after their season is completed.