BOSTON -- Brock Holt cleared his concussion recovery protocol and started a Minor League rehab assignment by leading off at Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday night. He went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles.
It was Holt's first game action since May 18. The Red Sox have missed his versatility and left-handed bat.
How long will Holt stay in the Minors?
"We'll probably take this week," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "He'll go on a couple of days, then off a day, then go back on a couple days with some innings progression building up to nine innings. That third game, he will get some left side of the infield work, involved both at short and third base. So we'll reexamine things at the end of the week to see where things are at."
Holt started the season as the Red Sox's primary left fielder against right-handed pitching. Blake Swihart assumed that role once Holt was sidelined. But then Swihart suffered a severe left ankle sprain on June 5, and he is several weeks away from a return. Chris Young has been holding down left field over the last couple of weeks.
Farrell indicated that Holt could move back to the super-utility role he thrived in the last two seasons once he returns.
"First of all, Chris Young has done an excellent job in left. We'll match up somewhat in left field, but I can't say it's going to be a strict platoon, because it also gives us some flexibility to move Brock around the field," said Farrell.
"In the time Brock has been here, when we see a guy that's played multiple positions, that might be when he's at his best. And I don't want to discount that. His flexibility gives us a chance to spell other guys, but I think first and foremost getting Brock back would be a boost."