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Infielder Brock Holt has been recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket, and to make room on the 25-man roster the Red Sox designated Ryan Roberts for assignment according to the Providence Journal's Brian MacPherson and WEEI's Alex Speier. It's not unexpected news, thanks to Roberts' struggles, but it is welcome given Boston's needs on the offensive side.
Holt isn't a star hitter or anything, but he's had some major-league success at the plate in the past, and began the 2014 season by batting .380/.446/.600 with six doubles, a triple, and a homer for the PawSox. He can fill-in at shortstop if needed, and can slot in at second or third when necessary as well, unlike Roberts, who has played exactly three innings at short in his nine-year career. Roberts was also struggling at the plate in his limited playing time, and was eventually going to have to be moved off of the roster anyway: when starting third baseman Will Middlebrooks returns from the disabled list, there would be no room for Roberts on the 25.
Holt, on the other hand, can be sent back to Pawtucket no problem when Middlebrooks is ready to return. Given he's hitting in the minors and Roberts didn't hit either in the spring or in his platoon role with the Sox, it's worth the shot to see if Holt can help pick up an offense that isn't stringing hits together effectively.
If no one claims Roberts off of waivers, there is the chance he heads to Pawtucket in the hopes of getting another shot later, as injuries happen and Roberts has had his useful moments in the majors, despite the recent struggles. There are plenty of teams who could use a hand in their infield, however, so it might never get to that point.