Called up as insurance, Cecchini hits RBI double

BOSTON -- It was not false hustle when third baseman Garin Cecchini arrived to Fenway Park at 7:30 ET on Sunday morning. Quite simply, the Red Sox's No. 4 prospect couldn't sleep and couldn't wait to get to the ballpark to soak in his first day as a Major Leaguer.

The Red Sox informed Cecchini he would be recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday and made the move official prior to Sunday's game. Right-hander Alex Wilson was optioned to Pawtucket.

The 23-year-old was not in Sunday's starting lineup, but when Dustin Pedroia got ejected for arguing balls and strikes, Cecchini entered the game at third base.

Cecchini struck out looking in his first at-bat, but he then launched a double off the Green Monster in the seventh for his first career hit and RBI.

"It's a dream come true," Cecchini said. "I'm kind of speechless."

Cecchini's parents, who both coached him throughout his youth, were able to fly to Boston for Sunday's game and the family went out to dinner after the game. They had been in Savannah watching Gavin Cecchini, a Mets prospect.

Cecchini will likely be optioned back to Pawtucket on Monday when shortstop Stephen Drew is activated, but the infielder appreciates getting an opportunity for even one game.

How long will Cecchini keep the wide grin he sported on his face during a postgame interview?

"All year, because I'm living the dream, even if I'm in Triple-A," Cecchini said. I'm living the dream. I'm playing baseball for a living."

Manager John Farrell enjoyed reconnecting with Cecchini after spending a good deal of time with him in Spring Training.

"He was here at 7 in the morning, already dressed," said Farrell. "He's ready to go. He's really a breath of fresh air. He's a great kid, as we saw in Spring Training. He loves the game. He loves everything about it. He will always bring some added energy and life when he's here."

Cecchini is in the midst of his first season at Triple-A, and his 49 hits lead the PawSox. He is hitting .278 with a .354 on-base percentage and has stolen six bases. The Red Sox selected Cecchini in the fourth round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft.

"It's an adjustment to the Triple-A pitching, but it's been good," said Cecchini. "I've had success, I've had failures, but it's all about bouncing back from those failures and trying to help the Red Sox win."