Will Middlebrooks doubled, singles and drove in two runs Monday against the Rays. Middlebrooks could have been 3-for-3 today: his hardest hit ball was snared by left fielder Brandon Guyer with a very nice running grab. He's 4-for-6 with a homer in his last two appearances after opening the spring 2-for-13.

Will Middlebrooks went 0-for-3 and had a couple of misplays at third base Wednesday against the Cardinals. Middlebrooks did hit one ball hard today, but he's 1-for-10 overall this spring. More significant was his sloppy defense; he committed an error on a ball he didn't try to get in front of and he had another grounder get under him while he was diving. If Middlebrooks doesn't produce and Xander Bogaerts continues to look like he might be better off at third base, the Red Sox will have to reconsider Stephen Drew.

Will Middlebrooks put on 12 pounds of muscle over the offseason after focusing on weight and flexibility training. "He had a good offseason," Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said. "He's in good shape, he's strong, he's getting his work in now. The talent is going to allow Will to be a really good player." Middlebrooks struggled with a .227/.271/.425 batting line last season, though he did slug 17 homers over 374 plate appearances. The 25-year-old is currently slated for everyday duty at third base, though that could change if the Red Sox wind up re-signing Stephen Drew.

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that the Marlins "have asked a lot" about Will Middlebrooks. Marlins general manager Dan Jennings himself admitted earlier this offseason that the club had discussed the third baseman with the Red Sox. However, Cafardo writes that the "feeling is the Red Sox will continue to hold on to Middlebrooks even if they re-sign Stephen Drew," as they're hesitant to give up on his power potential.

Marlins general manager Dan Jennings told SiriusXM's Jim Bowden in an interview Sunday that the club has discussed both Mark Trumbo and Will Middlebrooks with their scouts. The Marlins know they need to add more punch to their lineup and could do so with the addition of either corner infielder. "We like both guys," Jennings said. "We're not there yet in terms of close to any deals." The Angels are known to be shopping Trumbo for pitching, and the Red Sox could conceivably deal Middlebrooks if they put Xander Bogaerts at third instead of shortstop next season.

Will Middlebrooks will start at third base in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Tigers on Saturday. It's not a big surprise, as Middlebrooks started every game at third base during the ALDS. Xander Bogaerts could be an option to start at some point during the ALCS, but it's not clear when that will be.

Will Middlebrooks (flu) is back in the starting lineup Wednesday against the Orioles. Middlebrooks hasn't played since Saturday due to the flu. He's hitting seventh against Wei-Yin Chen.

Will Middlebrooks (flu) is not in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Orioles. Middlebrooks hasn't played since Saturday due to the flu. He will be available off the bench Tuesday while Xander Bogaerts will make the start at third base.

Will Middlebrooks (flu) is not in the Red Sox lineup for Sunday night's game against the Yankees. It sounds like Middlebrooks should be able to return to the lineup for Tuesday' series opener against the Orioles. Xander Bogaerts will get the call at third base in his absence.

Will Middlebrooks is not in Boston's starting lineup on Thursday evening against the Rays. Middlebrooks is 1-for-12 against Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson, so he's getting the night off. The 25-year-old third baseman is hitting .337/.402/.568 in 107 plate appearances since his return to the majors.