MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reports that the Red Sox “envision a big role for Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) when he returns from injury.
Gonzalez will start a rehab assignment on Tuesday and missed all of spring training, so he could need at least three weeks in the minors to get his timing down. When he does return, Red Sox manager Chad Tracy made it clear that Gonzalez would play against lefties and could also DH or play second base against righties, except against “certain righties where it doesn’t make sense.” Gonzalez played 96 games for the Red Sox last season but hit .305 with nine homers, 23 doubles, 53 RBIs, and an .826 OPS. Given his multi-position eligibility, Gonzalez could be a sneaky stash in a week or two before he officially returns.