Will

Middlebrooks

Middlebrooks fractured his left fibula in spring training after he ran into Andrew Pullin, and was unable to play in the 2018 season. Most of his success came with the Red Sox, and his best year was his rookie season with Boston as he hit 15 homers with an .835 OPS over 75 games. He hit 17 homers the next year, but battled injuries and struggled with consistency for the remainder of his career.

Youkilis is eligible to return from the disabled list Monday, but the Red Sox will hold off as he continues to increase baseball activities. The veteran third baseman certainly isn’t going to sit when he’s ready to return, so the Red Sox may have no choice but to send hot-hitting rookie Will Middlebrooks back to Triple-A Pawtucket.

The two-hit day was Middlebrooks’ first in five starts, as was the home run. However, he’s still hitting a cool .310/.356/.714, and making a very compelling case to remain in the big leagues even after Kevin Youkilis returns from his back injury. It’s an evolving situation, but the most likely scenario remains Middlebrooks returning to Triple-A Pawtucket, perhaps for some time to learn the outfield.

The kid is threatening to Wally Pipp Kevin Youkilis (back), putting up a two-homer game following a grand slam on Sunday. Middlebrooks is now batting .381 with three longballs and nine RBI in his first 22 plate appearances with the Sox while also chipping in with a stolen base. We still expect Youkilis to get his job back when he’s ready, but the Red Sox’ top prospect is making things interesting.

Middlebrooks hasn’t played anywhere but third base in his professional baseball career, but he’s raking to the tune of a 1.361 OPS and the Red Sox are going to want to keep him in their starting lineup even when Kevin Youkilis (back) returns. Multiple position eligibility is always a welcome thing in fantasy leagues. And Middlebrooks should maintain a good deal of fantasy value if he continues to see regular playing time.

Which is obviously a little less strenuous than a running program. But represents progress nonetheless. Youkilis has been on the disabled list since April 29 with lower back soreness and is aiming to return by the middle of this month. Will Middlebrooks has been filling in primarily at the hot corner and has some AL-only fantasy value.

A day after being scratched due to hamstring cramps, Middlebrooks hit a towering shot over the Green Monster off Tommy Hunter in the fifth inning. He ended the day with two hits, giving him five hits in his first 16 MLB at-bats. However, owners should note that Kevin Youkilis (back) expects to return as soon as his time on the DL is up.

The Red Sox reassigned right-handers Tony Pena Jr., Chorye Spoone and Alex Wilson and outfielder Juan Carlos Linares to minor league camp. Middlebrooks, who Baseball America ranked as the organization’s No. 1 prospect over the winter, batted .316 (6-for-19) with one double, one RBI and seven strikeouts during Grapefruit League action.

“We like him at third and we need to be careful about moving guys around to fill a short-term interest,” Cherington said. It’s understandable that the Sox are considering the move, as Middlebrooks is raking and wouldn’t have a spot once Kevin Youkilis (back) is ready. But, the reality is that he’s never played outfield in his pro career, and learning at the major league level would be a lot to ask. The more likely scenario might be Middlebrooks seeing time in the outfield at Triple-A after he’s optioned, then possibly being brought back up if he proves capable of handling the position.

Middlebrooks slowed up noticeably while running the bases in the top of the inning. He dealt with a hamstring cramp last week, but it’s not clear if that’s what the issue is now. We’ll update his status when more is known. Nick Punto replaced him at second base.