Red Sox gain versatility with return of utility man Brock Holt

The Boston Red Sox have activated super utility man Brock Holt from the injured list and he’s in the lineup for Monday’s game against the Indians.

The Boston Red Sox have added some depth to their roster prior to Monday’s series opener against the Cleveland Indians. Not at one position in particular but several, as Brock Holt is capable of playing almost anywhere on the diamond.

Holt has been activated from the 10-day injured list following the completion of his rehab assignment in Double-A Portland. The versatile utility man has been sidelined since early April with a scratched cornea, the result of his young son inadvertently poking him in the eye. Holt also dealt with a bout of shoulder inflammation that delayed his journey back to the big leagues.

Fully recovered from both ailments, Holt is back and in the lineup for today’s game. He’ll hit seventh in the order and play second base.

Michael Chavis moves over to first base while Mitch Moreland takes a seat on the bench despite that Cleveland is sending right-handed pitcher Jefry Rodriguez to the mound. Moreland often sits against southpaws but this will be the second consecutive game that he’s out of the lineup against a right-hander. Either he’s dealing with an undisclosed injury, feeling under the weather, or the Red Sox were adamant about finding a spot for Holt in the lineup on his first day back with the team. Moreland has been in a bit of a funk over the last week, going 2-for-15 in the last four games he’s appeared in.

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To make room on the roster, Boston has optioned Darwinzon Hernandez back to Triple-A Pawtucket. The lefty was called up for Sunday’s game in Houston to add depth to a bullpen that was worn out the previous day when David Price left due to an illness in the first inning, essentially turning it into a bullpen game. Hernandez wasn’t needed yesterday so using up one of his minor league options proved to be a bit of a waste.

Holt never had time to find his groove at the plate before hitting the shelf. He went 1-for-16 (.063) in six games prior to the injury. He hit .233/.425/.400 with a home run and two doubles in 10 minor league games during his rehab assignment.

His bat may not have woken up yet but Holt’s value stems from his versatility. His ability to plug in at almost any position and move around the field without missing a beat creates a lot of flexibility for manager Alex Cora.

Holt showed as recently as last season that he’s still capable of contributing at the plate when given a chance. He hit a respectable .277 with a .774 OPS in 109 games last season and was a key part of a team that won a franchise record 108 games and the World Series. The former All-Star has much to offer and the Red Sox are stronger with Holt back in the mix.