Dealing with sore hamstring, Victorino placed on DL
Aceves called up from Triple-A to provide depth to Red Sox's overworked bullpen
BOSTON -- The Red Sox couldn't afford to play the waiting game with Shane Victorino this time around.
Victorino's sore left hamstring and ailing back forced him to the 15-day disabled list on Friday, retroactive to Tuesday.
"Our goal was to be back the next couple days, but situations come up," said Victorino, who expects to miss the minimum amount of time.
With Will Middlebrooks also going to the DL with a back strain, and five relievers combining to pitch six innings in a 12-3 loss to the Indians on Thursday, the Red Sox needed healthy bodies, adding Jose Iglesias and Alfredo Aceves from Triple-A Pawtucket.
Manager John Farrell is hoping the extra rest for Victorino will allow the right fielder to get fully healthy.
"I think it got to a point where each time he would start back up there would be some frustration -- and understandably so," Farrell said. "This is a guy who really wants to be on the field every day. I think it was best, peace of mind for him, and really to adjust the physical issues that he's got."
Adding to the bullpen depth will be a familiar face in Aceves, who struggled with the team during five appearances, including three starts, in April, but he has found more success at Triple-A Pawtucket.
Since posting an 8.66 ERA in 17 2/3 innings with the Red Sox before an April 25 demotion, Aceves put up a 3.13 ERA in Pawtucket, striking out 21 batters while walking 11 in 23 innings. Stretched out as a starter, Aceves will be used in a multiple-inning role.
The Red Sox are currently carrying 13 pitchers and 12 hitters, though Farrell expects to swap a pitcher for another hitter in the near future.
Jackie Bradley Jr., who is hitting .322 with a .420 on-base percentage in Pawtucket, could be in line for a promotion.
"As we reshuffle or maybe re-balance our roster, other names will start to come into the mix," Farrell said.