Red Sox activate Steve Pearce from injured list ahead of Oakland finale

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Steve Pearce #25 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his eighth inning home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Steve Pearce #25 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his eighth inning home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

It was announced this afternoon that the Boston Red Sox will activate Steve Pearce from the IL. His return will bring the team close to full strength and give them a much needed boost.

Per Mike Cole of NESN.com, the Red Sox will be activating Steve Pearce from the injured list ahead of Thursday afternoon’s series finale in Oakland. Steve Pearce hasn’t played during the regular season as he injured his hamstring during spring training. Pearce had only played in 7 spring training games where he posted a .176 BA with 2 HR and 4 RBI.

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In order to make room for Pearce, the Red Sox optioned prospect Sam Travis down to Pawtucket. Pearce is coming off a season where he would see some of the highest success of his career. He joined Boston via trade with Toronto before the deadline last season. He would quickly become one of the sparks of the World Series winning roster.

Pearce would become a focal point to the offense that would allow the Red Sox to bring another Commissioner’s Trophy to Fenway Park. After being named World Series MVP, Pearce would sign a new 1-year/$6.25M contract to rejoin Boston for the 2019 season.

Travis hasn’t played much as far as the 2019 season is concerned as he was more of a backup in case something happened to Mitch Moreland prior to Pearce’s return. Travis did capitalize on the few at-bats he did get this season as he will be leaving a .286/.286/.571 stat line in Boston. Travis will likely continue to shine in Pawtucket and could easily be a September call-up once the postseason approaches.

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With the team back at full strength from their World Series winning squad fortunes could begin to turn. It’s been a rough start to the season for Boston and having Pearce back will only boost their chances at righting the ship. Pearce will most likely be the answer for southpaws as he hits them well and it can save Moreland for specialty situations. With Boston needing some magic, it looks like they just got some in the form of Steve Pearce.