Cecchini was placed on the 7-day disabled list with left-shoulder inflammation, the Providence Journal reports. The sweet-swinging Cecchini is batting .205 (8-for-39) through eight games this season.

Cecchini went 2-for-5 with a double, homer and two runs scored for Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday. Cecchini, who's been primarily a third basemen the last two seasons, started in left field Tuesday. With Pablo Sandoval locked in at the hot corner in Boston, Cecchini will need to add some versatility in order to break onto Boston's roster. His hit tool is advanced; he just needs a position and the opportunity.

Cecchini was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports. Cecchini would have seen limited reps in the majors anyway, as the recently-signed Pablo Sandoval is the clear favorite to be the full-time third baseman. A trip to the minors will allow the 23-year-old utility player to get more playing time, specifically at third base and left field, per Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal.

Cecchini had three hits in Thursday's game against the Blue Jays and is hitting .333 (10-for-30) in 11 spring games. The Red Sox are giving Cecchini good exposure this spring -- his 30 at-bats are a team high in camp. It almost seems that they're trying to spark interest in Cecchini, who doesn't have a clear path to the majors but is a good hitter on the cusp of being major-league ready.

Cecchini will continue to train at third base, but understands that the position is blocked at the major-league level by free-agent acquisition Pablo Sandoval, the Red Sox official' site reports. "I've always been told that good players don't get blocked from the Major Leagues. I've always believed that. I feel like I'm a good player and I feel like I can help the Red Sox win, so any way I can help them win, I'm capable of doing it," said Cecchini. Cecchini may eventually move off third base -- first base or the outfield are likely landing spots -- but he has a sweet swing from the left-hand side and has a very positive attitude. He experienced his first bout of adversity of his pro career at the Triple-A level, but adjusted and had a good second half.

Cecchini had a hit, a walk, two runs scored and belted his first career homer in the major leagues in Wednesday night's win over Tampa Bay. Cecchini also made a few good plays defensively, showing good range at third base. Publicly, the Red Sox continue to insist they haven't given up on Will Middlebrooks at third base, but if Cecchini's defense improves, he could challenge Middlebrooks for starts next season.

Cecchini will start at third base and bat eighth Friday against the Orioles. Called up earlier in the week following the Triple-A National Championship, Cecchini will step in Friday for his first career start at the major league level. A fourth-round pick in 2010, Cecchini hit .285/.367/.462 in 35 games with Triple-A Pawtucket after the All-Star break to finish with a .263/.3431/.371 batting line with seven homers and 11 steals during the regular season.

Cecchini was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday, Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com reports. Cecchini ranks among the best of Boston's position prospects following the graduations of Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts to the big leagues, and he could very well get a long look at third base over the final week and a half of regular season. Will Middlebrooks has been a major disappointment at third base for most of the season, and though Cecchini can't match his power, his ability to steal bases, draw walks and make contact may be more meaningful skills. If Middlebrooks ends up getting dealt elsewhere in the winter, Cecchini might be the top internal candidate to handle third base duties in 2015.

Cecchini, who was hit in the face by a ball, has returned to the lineup for Triple-A Pawtucket. He missed two games after the incident. Cecchini is 7-for-19 with seven RBI in four games since returning.

Cecchini took a ball off the face during Monday's game with Triple-A Pawtucket and had to leave the game, MiLB.com's Jake Seiner reports.