Adam

Hyzdu

Hyzdu, who could split time with Gabe Kapler, is batting .287 with 19 homers, 47 RBI and a .403 on-base percentage at Triple-A Pawtucket. He has three seasons of major league experience with the Pirates, and has been particularly hot in July (.321 with 4 home runs and 11 RBI).

In Gabe Kapler, Dave McCarty and Hyzdu, the Red Sox now have three pretty good options as pinch-hitters against lefties. And they still could add Earl Snyder after Pawtucket’s season ends. It seems like overkill for a team that only rarely uses pinch-hitters.

Hyzdu will be used mostly as a pinch-hitter. Matt Stairs and Rob Mackowiak are expected to replace Brian Giles in left field.

Hyzdu, who was 2-for-18 with a grand slam in his first stint with the team, will act as the Pirates’ fifth outfielder until Matt Stairs returns.

Hyzdu may get some starts in right field against lefties, but he’s not much of an option in AL-only leagues.

If they weren’t worried about the 40-man roster, they would have added Hyzdu once the season ended. The real downgrade from Kapler to Hyzdu is center field defense. Hyzdu can play there, but not especially well. He should be an adequate platoon partner for Trot Nixon in right if that’s how the Red Sox want to use him.

With Johnny Damon bothered by inflammation in his shoulder and Gabe Kabler out for the year with a ruptured achilles, Boston needs some more depth in their outfield.

Hyzdu hit just .194 (7-for-36) during the regular season. He’ll likely only be used as a late-inning situational replacement.

Because he was released, Hyzdu won’t be eligible to play in the majors for the Red Sox during the first month and a half of next season. He could be re-signed to a minor league deal, but it’s unlikely that he will be.

Hyzdu, who turns 34 next month, went 7-for-36 for the Red Sox and hit .268/.387/.462 in 325 AB between two Triple-A clubs last season. If a taker can be found for Phil Nevin, Hyzdu would be a reasonable choice to become David Dellucci’s platoon partner next year. However, the Rangers would look for someone better.