Middlebrooks went 1-for-3 with a double in Thursday night's loss to the Cardinals. The double was his first extra-base hit against a right-hander since Apr. 29. Middlebrooks is hitting a paltry .143/.263/.286 against right-handers this season, making it easy for manager John Farrell to find at-bats for Brock Holt at third. This really is an important stretch for Middlebrooks, who needs to show the organization he can handle major-league pitching consistently. The good news is that the double was to right field, offering a reminder of his ability to drive balls to all fields.

Middlebrooks is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals. Middlebrooks just returned from a finger injury last week, but including Wednesday's contest, he has started just two of five games since being activated from the disabled list. The Red Sox have not stated how they will divide the playing time at the hot corner the rest of the way, but Middlebrooks and Brock Holt figure to continue sharing the duties at least for the time being.

Red Sox manager John Farrell indicated Saturday that Will Middlebrooks (finger) will remain at Triple-A Pawtucket indefinitely. Farrell had said previously that Middlebrooks could possibly be activated over the weekend, but that won't happen and it sounds like he'll remain at Pawtucket for a while. "I think there's been a little confusion with maybe some of the messages that's been interpreted that he was going to be activated this weekend or the same time that Vic has been," Farrell said. "I think the one thing we want to be sure of, and that continues, is that Will continues to get everyday at-bats. For the time being, that will take place in Pawtucket."

Will Middlebrooks (finger) could be activated from the disabled list sometime over the weekend. Middlebrooks will resume his rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday after missing a week of action following a jammed wrist. The Red Sox have flirted with the idea of giving Middlebrooks some reps in left field, but for now they're having him focus on third base.

Will Middlebrooks (finger) could be activated from the disabled list sometime over the weekend. Middlebrooks will resume his rehab assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday after missing a week of action following a jammed wrist. The Red Sox have flirted with the idea of giving Middlebrooks some reps in left field, but for now they're having him focus on third base.

Will Middlebrooks (finger) is expected to resume a minor league rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Pawtucket. Middlebrooks' rehab stint was halted last week after jammed his wrist while sliding into a base, but the injury was never a major concern. It's not clear where he fits with the Red Sox right now, but there could be an opening for him at third base if Stephen Drew is traded and Xander Bogaerts moves back to shortstop.

Will Middlebrooks (finger) will restart his minor league rehab assignment Tuesday at Triple-A Pawtucket. Middlebrooks was shut down for the past week because of swelling in a finger on his right hand. The third baseman doesn't really have a spot right now in Boston, so he'll probably be rehabbing for quite a while. Middlebrooks may begin playing some left field at Pawtucket.

Will Middlebrooks (finger) has been shut down from his rehab assignment. Middlebrooks was scratched from Monday's rehab game when his previously fractured right finger swelled up, and obviously he's still having issues with it. The third baseman is out indefinitely.

Will Middlebrooks was scratched from a rehab game at Triple-A Pawtucket Monday due to swelling in his right finger. It's the same finger, of course, that he fractured last month. At this point it's not clear how much of a setback it is for Middlebrooks. The 25-year-old has played in six rehab games so far for Pawtucket.

Red Sox manager John Farrell said Sunday that Will Middlebrooks (finger) may see some time in the outfield during his rehab assignment. He began his rehab assignment Friday and will need another week or so at third base to get back up to speed. However, after that the Red Sox want to test out his versatility as they consider him for more of a utility role with the big club. Middlebrooks lost out on his starting job after the Stephen Drew signing.