Will Middlebrooks (finger) will begin a rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Pawtucket. Middlebrooks is going to serve as Pawtucket's designated hitter in his first game there. He's likely to spend a long time in the minors because there is no longer a regular job available for him in Boston with Stephen Drew at shortstop and Xander Bogaerts at third base.

Will Middlebrooks (finger) has begun taking swings. Middlebrooks still has some discomfort throwing because his finger doesn't straighten all the way out, but he's making progress. It's unclear when he'll be ready for game action. He'll likely serve as a backup infielder or regular in Triple-A when he's back to full health.

Red Sox manager John Farrell said Tuesday that Will Middlebrooks (finger) is "still trying to gain full range of motion with the index finger." "That's not there yet," Farrell added. "He won't start to swing a bat until he's able to gain full range of motion, which would indicate that the healing of the fracture is moving along as anticipated. He's still in kind of an inactive period." Obviously, Middlebrooks shouldn't be expected back anytime soon. When he does come back, it will be as a backup or possibly a regular at Triple-A.

Red Sox manager John Farrell indicated that Will Middlebrooks (finger) could start at third base versus lefties once he returns from the disabled list. The signing of Stephen Drew has pushed Xander Bogaerts to third base, leaving Middlebrooks without an everyday gig. However, he could still be a factor against southpaws, with Bogaerts moving back to shortstop. "We fully anticipate Will being here," said Farrell. "If there are alignments to take advantage of individual strengths, we're going to do that. Without getting too far ahead of myself, that's the best I can tell you right now."

Red Sox placed 3B Will Middlebrooks on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured finger. Middlebrooks was hit by a pitch during Sunday's game and had been trying to play through the pain. Brock Holt was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move and will help carry the load at third base in his absence.

Will Middlebrooks returned to action on Tuesday May 13.

Will Middlebrooks was a late scratch from Sunday's lineup due to a sore right hand. Middlebrooks was hit on the hand by a pitch during Saturday's game and is still a bit sore. The Red Sox are calling the move precautionary, so he should be back in the lineup in a day or two. Jonathan Herrera has taken his spot at third base.

Will Middlebrooks said after Sunday's game that he's fine after a ninth-inning collision with Josh Donaldson at third base. Red Sox manager John Farrell indicated that Middlebrooks jammed his shoulder during the play, and will be checked out by team doctors to be on the safe side. Fantasy owners should have a contingency option in place but he should be in the Red Sox lineup on Tuesday.

Will Middlebrooks had a nice night at the plate in his return to the Red Sox lineup on Friday, going 2-for-4 with a double, run scored and two RBI in a victory over the Blue Jays. He had gone hitless in 10 at-bats on a minor league rehab assignment, but didn't show any signs of rust in his return. Returning to his role as the everyday third baseman in Boston, it's safe for fantasy owners to get him active and back into lineups.

Red Sox activated 3B Will Middlebrooks from the 15-day disabled list. Middlebrooks was hitless in 10 at-bats during his rehab assignment, but most importantly his calf feels fine. He'll resume his role as the Red Sox' starting third baseman. The 25-year-old batted .231/.333/.538 with one homer in four games before going on the DL.