Boston’s trade deadline moves left Mookie Betts without a regular spot in the lineup, so the Red Sox have decided to send the 21-year-old top prospect back to Triple-A.
In two stints in the big leagues Betts has logged 44 total plate appearances, hitting .244 with one homer and a .645 OPS in 13 games. In the minors this year he’s hit .342 with more walks (55) than strikeouts (43) and a .959 OPS in 88 games between Double-A and Triple-A, so he remains a huge part of the Red Sox’s long-term plans even if they’re not quite sure where yet.
To replace Betts on the roster the Red Sox activated Kelly Johnson, whom they acquired from the Yankees in exchange for Stephen Drew despite Johnson being on the disabled list with a groin injury. He can fill in all over the diamond and, unlike with Betts, the Red Sox won’t mind giving the 32-year-old Johnson sporadic playing time.