Jamie Westbrook on his promotion to the big leagues: ‘It’s been a long time coming for sure’
The Red Sox called up veteran minor league utilityman Jamie Westbrook prior to the series finale against the Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
Boston needed another position player after second baseman Vaughn Grissom was placed on the injured list with a right hamstring strain.
Westbrook, who has played 11 seasons, all in the minors, will suit up for a Major League team for the first time in his professional career.
“If you were to ask me on draft day coming out of high school, I would’ve told you I’d have made $200 million and played in the big leagues for 15 years,” Westbrook told reporters at Fenway Park.
“Everybody’s story is different, but it’s so much sweeter now. I wouldn’t want it any other way. So, yeah, it’s been a long time coming, for sure. It’s just a beautiful day. It really is.”
Westbrook, who is a Mass. native, grew up in Holyoke before his family moved to Arizona when he was 10 years old. The 28-year-old was drafted in the fifth round by the Diamondbacks in 2013.
This season for the WooSox, Westbrook has provided veteran leadership in the clubhouse and consistent production at the plate. In 49 games for Worcester, he’s batted .267 with a .364 on-base percentage, .436 slugging percentage, and .800 OPS to go along with five home runs and 29 RBIs.
He has started games at first base, second base, third base, and right field, and DH. Westbrook has appeared in 1,159 minor league games.
