Franklin Morales activated, Alfredo Aceves optioned to Pawtucket

The Red Sox have activated Franklin Morales from the disabled list, optioning Alfredo Aceves to Triple-A Pawtucket.

It's been a long time in coming for Morales, who has missed the entire season to date with a bulging disk and strained pectoral. The southpaw reliever/spot starter has had the chance to get in 17 innings over five rehab starts in the minors--a necessary delay given how much time he missed in spring training.

For the Red Sox, his return means some added depth to their rotation, and a more reliable long man out of the bullpen. Clayton Mortensen has been filling that role so far, but hasn't really been able to give them three or four innings, or keep runs off the board for that matter. Add in the still-missing velocity from Felix Doubront, some difficult outings from Ryan Dempster, and a rough second appearance for Allen Webster in the majors, and getting Morales back quickly becomes a very big deal.

His return also means the departure of Aceves. While he managed to give the Red Sox six good innings last night, he's certainly a volatile element to have both in the clubhouse and on the mound. Saying goodbye to him doesn't really hurt the bargain any.