In what was first reported yesterday, the Red Sox will reinstate Jacoby Ellsbury from the disabled list in time to be in tonight’s lineup in Tampa Bay against the Rays. The move comes 79 games after the injury that saw Ellsbury suffer a subluxed shoulder and his return comes at a perfect time. The Sox are in need of a spark and the return of their all-star centerfielder could be just what this team needs to get back in contention.
To make room for Ellsbury, pitcher Justin Germano was designated for assignment after a brief stay with the big club since his call up in early July. Germano appeared in just one game for Boston, working in 5.2 innings of shutout relief. It was Germano who had an opt out clause of July 1 if he was not on the major league roster. During his time in triple-A Pawtucket Germano posted a 2.40 ERA with 6.2 K/9 and 1.1 BB/9 in 105 innings as a starter.
While the Germano story could have been a pleasant one given his potential resurgence to the major leagues, he falls victim to bigger and more pressing matters for this ballclub and that’s getting one of their superstars back in the lineup. It’s a numbers game in baseball and if it means losing a nice relief in Germano in order to get Ellsbury back, so be it.
In other Red Sox news relating to their roster, Will Middlebrooks is back in the lineup after missing the last seven games with a strained left hamstring. Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reported that Middlebrooks went through a full workout last night in Tampa and was declared ready to play.
Suddenly the Red Sox lineup looks more “regular” than it has in recent weeks, with the absence of Dustin Pedroia aside. Below is today’s staring lineup courtesy of WEEI.
1. Ellsbury CF
2. Nava LF
3. Ortiz DH
4. Gonzalez 1B
5. Middlebrooks 3B
6. Saltalamacchia C
7. Sweeney RF
8. Aviles SS
9. Ciriaco 2B
Morales P