Red Sox’ Rafael Devers expected to return on Friday; Injured David Hamilton’s ’speed factor’ could offer role down the stretch
Rafael Devers has been out of the Red Sox lineup for the last three games as he deals with sore shoulders.
Red Sox skipper Alex Cora told reporters that Devers would return to the lineup as the team’s designated hitter on Friday when Boston travels to Detroit to begin a three-game weekend series.
"I think for today and the next few days, it makes sense for (Nick Sogard) to play third base," said Cora. "Raffy, we're shooting to DH tomorrow, then again Saturday, and play the field Sunday."
With Devers returning to the lineup, Masataka Yoshida will get the night off in the series opener with the Tigers.
"I think it's a good day for Masa tomorrow," Cora said. "With traveling, kind of like giving him an off day. Then we got (Tigers pitcher Tarik) Skubal on Saturday. He'll benefit for that. He'll be ready to pinch hit whenever, and then we'll go from there."
Devers nagging shoulder injury was re-aggravated last month while the Sox were in Colorado. Boston recalled Nick Sogard from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday; he will provide depth on the roster at all infield positions and will see increased playing time with David Hamilton on the shelf with a broken index finger.
Hamilton could return to the club before the end of the season. Typically, most fractures can take up to 4-6 weeks to heal; Cora didn’t rule out the possibility that the speedy infielder could serve as a late-inning pinch runner.
“We’ll see how long he’s going to be out. Obviously rosters are expanding; maybe there’s a role with him where he doesn’t have to hit,” Cora said. “We always talk about the speed factor, so we’ll see.”
Hamilton’s speed has been a game changer for the Red Sox this season. His 33 stolen bases is second to only Jacoby Ellsbury, who swiped 50 bases as a rookie in 2008.
Red Sox’ Brad Keller elects free agency
The Red Sox designated right-handed pitcher Brad Keller for assignment this week; following being outrighted to Triple-A Worcester, he elected free agency.
In 11 games for Boston this season, Keller owned a 5.84 ERA with one save and 19 strikeouts with nine walks over 24 2/3 innings.
If Keller elects to sign somewhere else following his latest release, the veteran valued his time in Boston.
“Things have been going amazing,” Keller said to Andrew Parker of Beyond the Monster while at Polar Park in August. “I really like it over here and have learned a lot since getting here. I feel like I have gotten better every single time I go out there. I am working on a bunch of things and messing with repertoire and usage of my pitches. I am thinking through a lot more things than I used to and just being a sponge while I am here.”
