The Boston Red Sox are still searching for a solution for their vacancy at first base, which got even more difficult after Romy González was injured on May 9.
The utility player/interim first baseman collided with Texas Rangers interim first baseman Josh Smith while running out a ground ball. He sustained a quad contusion and was placed on the 10-day injured list the following afternoon. Finally, González, a valuable righty bat, has been reinstated, per a post from the Red Sox.
González is batting .308/.362/.423 over 17 games this season. He's played a decent first base, with a few defensive miscues here and there, but his overall athleticism makes him one of the Red Sox better suited for the job. He'll play first base on June 2 in Boston's series-opening game against the Angels.
Abraham Toro has recently taken off in the Sox's lineup, with a .310/.310/.534 slash line and a few snazzy defensive plays over 18 games. He was called up from Triple-A Worcester to play first base in González's stead, but he's been so good the Sox will stick with him even after González's reinstatement. Toro will play third base against the Angels on June 2.
Red Sox activate interim first baseman Romy González, option Nate Eaton
The Red Sox optioned minor league infielder/outfielder Nate Eaton to Triple-A to open a roster spot for González. Eaton was called up on June 1, the final day of the Sox's second series against the Braves. He did not appear in the game, however.
Red Sox fans weren't thrilled to see Eaton's name on the 40-man roster instead of Roman Anthony's. Boston is determined to keep Anthony in Triple-A a bit longer, and Eaton bats righty — the Red Sox need offense from the right side with Alex Bregman on the IL. Eaton is batting .277/.364/.446 with 16 doubles, a triple and five homers over 53 games with the WooSox. He could be a valuable righty depth bat if the Red Sox need a boost from that side of the plate. Eaton is also a good defender, with no errors across all three outfield positions.