MLB Player News

Red Sox infielder Pedro Ciriaco was designated for assignment Monday to clear a roster spot for Will Middlebrooks, who was activated off the 15-day disabled list. Ciriaco hit .216 with one home run and four RBI in 28 games for Boston.

Red Sox infielder Pedro Ciriaco has played good defense for the team, but his time in the majors may be running short, with Will Middlebrooks nearing his return from the disabled list.

Ciriaco is out of options, so ESPN.com reports Friday the team may opt to designate him for assignment when Middlebrooks returns from the DL. 

Ciriaco is hitting .220 with a .658 OPS in 50 at-bats this season.

Red Sox infielder Pedro Ciriaco ended an 0-for-11 slump with an RBI single in the second Saturday against the Indians. He finished 3 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI in a 7-4 victory. Ciriaco is hitting .231 (6 for 36) with a home run and two RBI in his last 12 games played (six starts).

With Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks hitting the DL, Pedro Ciriaco -- his likely replacement considering the lack of options for the team -- is worth an add in AL-only formats. 

Ciriaco will likely play third base full-time, but already has the all-important shortstop eligibility, which gives him a bump in value when plugged in at the weaker position with his everyday at-bats.

While Ciriaco is hitting just .175 in spotty playing time this year, he hit .293 last season, and should see his average improve with regular at-bats. He also had 16 steals in 2012, and showed off some speed in the minors, with two seasons of 35 or more steals. He won't put up eye-popping stats, but Ciriaco has a nice chance to fill your stat sheet with average and speed for as long as Middlebrooks is out. 

Red Sox infielder Pedro Ciriaco entered Sunday 's game against the Blue Jays as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning -- making his first big league appearance at first base. He highlighted the moment with a home run leading off the eighth inning, which was his first since Aug. 26.

Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks left Tuesday's game against Minnesota following a collision with catcher David Ross on a Chris Parmalee foul ball, WEEI.com reports. Middlebrooks initially remained in the game but was replaced in the top of the seventh by Pedro Ciriaco. 

Middlebrooks left with what the Red Sox deemed "right side pain." He was 0 for 2 with a strikeout and is batting .192 on the year with six home runs. 

Red Sox shortstop prospect Xander Bogaerts continues to dominate Double-A pitching. He has a seven-game hitting streak dating to April 22.

Bogaerts is hitting .400 (8 for 30) over the stretch with a homer, double and three triples. His overall line is .320/.394/.464 in 97 at-bats. Bogaerts was the eighth-best prospect in baseball entering the season according to Baseball America and will be worth watching as he continues to push through the minors.

Red Sox shortstop prospect Xander Bogaerts managed his fifth multi-hit game in his last eight outings Tuesday for Double-A Portland, raising his batting average to .395 (17 for 43) in his last 10 games. Bogaerts has a .311/.378/.405/.783 slash line through 17 games, while adding two triples, three doubles, six RBI and 11 runs.

Red Sox infielder Pedro Ciriaco is in the starting lineup Thursday.

Ciriaco will play third and bat ninth. He's giving the struggling Will Middlebrooks a breather. Ciriaco will go against Indians pitcher Zach McAllister. 

Red Sox infielder Pedro Ciriaco was given his first start at shortstop this season Saturday in Toronto with Jose Iglesias day to day with a forearm issue. 

Ciriaco was listed ninth in the order by manager John Farrell. He entered Friday's game as a pinch-hitter for Iglesias in the fourth inning and smacked an RBI single to shallow left field. He finished the game 2 for 4 and added a double. He also stole a base in the game.