Red Sox call Brock Holt up, option Jonathan Diaz to Pawtucket

With Stephen Drew's day-to-day injury turning into a full-blown trip to the disabled list, the Red Sox have called up Brock Holt and sent infielder Jonathan Diaz back down to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Holt, 25, came over to Boston from Pittsburgh as part of the ill-fated Joel Hanrahan trade. He's struggled in Triple-A so far this year, hitting just .263/.335/.297 in 209 at bats, but is generally more likely to be able to provide something with the bat than Jonathan Diaz, while still playing a reasonable third base. In 2012 he hit .344/.406/.453 between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, so there is a bat hidden away in there somewhere.

Holt will start at third base tonight against the Angels, batting eighth against Los Angeles' Jerome Williams. Brandon Snyder has done a very good job for the Red Sox in his six games with the team, however, so one wonders if Holt is going to get more than an occasional start--for instance, behind a pitcher like John Lackey, who could use a good defensive infield behind him.