Mitch Moreland has completed the first step to returning to the Red Sox.
The first baseman, who has been sidelined since June 8 with a right quad strain, played in a rehab game with Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday night. Moreland batted third as the PawSox's designated hitter vs. the Buffalo Bison, but went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in the 5-4 loss.
Nonetheless, it's an encouraging sign for the 33-year-old as he nears a return to the big-league club. Moreland has played in only 47 games so far this season due to injuries, hitting .225 with 13 home runs and 34 RBI.
Boston will begin the second half of its season Friday night as they start a three-game series at Fenway Park vs. the Dodgers.
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