Shane Victorino is back in Boston and could be activated for the second game of the team's doubleheader Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.
Shane Victorino injury: Red Sox OF could return Saturday, per report
The Red Sox could get right fielder Shane Victorino back for the second game of their doubleheader on Saturday.
Jim Rogash
Victorino has been out since May 20 with tightness in his left hamstring. Abraham reports that he was scheduled to play what would have been a final rehab assignment game on Friday, but the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket was rained out along with the big league team. Boston will play a double-header on Saturday as a result, and Victorino could take the field in that second game.
Victorino is in his first season with the Red Sox after signing a three-year, $39 million deal with Boston during the off-season. Prior to this injury, he was producing well, hitting .283/.343/.362 in 142 plate appearances as the team's everyday right fielder. In his absence, Boston has turned to left-fielder Daniel Nava as Victorino's primary replacement with fellow left fielders Mike Carp and Jonny Gomes also getting some chances at the position.
Nava and Carp have both hit well while filling in for their injured teammate, but Victorino's return does offer the Red Sox a substantial upgrade on defense. The former Phillies center fielder possesses better range than all three substitutes, and with his return, those players can move back to a timeshare at their natural position.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
