The Red Sox made the bold move to trade infielder Jose Iglesias to Detroit, freeing up a path to the majors for for highly touted prospect Xander Bogaerts. Although Brock Holt is being recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Iglesias' roster spot, it shouldn't be too much longer before Bogaerts gets his chance.
With Stephen Drew blocking Bogaerts' path at shortstop, the 20-year-old infielder has started to takes reps at third base. Thus far, the results have been positive. Bogaerts hasn't committed an error in seven chances at third base for Pawtucket. But he's still learning the position and while his offensive game might be major-league ready, the Red Sox can't afford to have a defensive liability at third base during a pennant race.
Still, even if Bogaerts spends most of August in the minors, he's likely to be summoned to the majors when rosters expand Sept. 1. Bogaerts can help Boston down the stretch, so it would be more shocking if he isn't called up this season.