Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said that Will Middlebrooks left Friday's game for precautionary reasons. Out since July 1 due to hamstring soreness, Middlebrooks returned to the lineup Friday and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts before Nick Punto replaced him at third base in the bottom of the eighth. Bobby V said after the game that he just didn't want to push things in his first game back, so Middlebrooks will likely be back in the lineup Saturday.

Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) is in the starting lineup Friday against the Rays. Middlebrooks hasn't played since July 1 due to hamstring tightness, but the All-Star break allowed him to avoid a trip to the disabled list. He's batting fifth Friday against Jeremy Hellickson.

Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) is expected to return to the lineup next weekend against the Rays. Middlebrooks hasn't played in a week due to a tight hamstring. "He looked really good out there running, says he feels really good," manager Bobby Valentine said. "I'm leaning towards not having him play [Sunday against the Yankees]; unless there's a major setback somewhere between now and then; he looked really good running today, he did all his agility work, said he feels nothing." The Sox have been using Mauro Gomez at third base with Middlebrooks out.

While it's possible Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) could return to the lineup Sunday, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has indicated that he probably won't. Middlebrooks hasn't played in a week due to a tight hamstring. "Some of the madness in not DL'ing him was to have him ready coming out of the break and not miss those five games on the other side of the break," Valentine said. The Sox have been using Mauro Gomez at third base with Middlebrooks out.

Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) is not the starting lineup for Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader with the Yankees. Middlebrooks has been out since Sunday with hamstring tightness, but it's possible he'll be available for Game 2. Mauro Gomez is starting at third base and batting fifth.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) will sit out again Friday, but he expects the third baseman to be ready to play "soon." It sounds like they haven't given up hope of him playing before the All-Star break, though they'd probably be best served just holding him out. Middlebrooks has been sidelined since last Sunday with hamstring tightness.

Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) is hoping to play Friday. Middlebrooks has been out of commission since making an early exit Sunday with hamstring tightness. "I want to play and I want to give it a go," he told reporters on Wednesday. "It's better than it was. We'll see on Friday. But I want to try." The rookie is batting .298 with an .873 OPS.

Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) is out of the Red Sox starting lineup again Wednesday. Middlebrooks hasn't played since leaving Sunday's game with hamstring tightness. It's still possible he'll end up on the disabled list. Mauro Gomez is making the start at the hot corner Wednesday.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine hasn't ruled out the possibility that Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) will need a stint on the disabled list. "He feels better today than he did (Sunday) and better than he expected," said Valentine. "That's the only news we have. It's not discolored and that's good. But it's going to be some days (before he plays). We won't let the calendar dictate; we'll just see how he feels. Maybe (a trip to the) DL, maybe a few days. It's just one of those injuries." Middlebrooks believes he could return to the lineup before the team leaves Oakland on Wednesday, but fantasy owners would be wise to have a backup plan at the ready.

Will Middlebrooks (hamstring) is not in Monday's lineup against the Athletics. Middlebrooks left Sunday's game with hamstring tightness, but it appears he'll avoid a stint on the disabled list. At least for now. Nick Punto will make the start at the hot corner Monday and bat ninth against Jarrod Parker.