Second time around, Holt more comfortable with Sox

BOSTON -- By the time Brock Holt arrived at Fenway Park on Sunday morning, he was still listed in the lineup for Triple-A Pawtucket, batting leadoff and playing second. But there he was in the Red Sox clubhouse, hurriedly getting dressed and accepting greetings from teammates happy to see him back in Boston.

Holt was recalled with Will Middlebrooks going to the 15-day disabled list with a right calf strain, and while Holt doesn't quite know how much he'll play, he'll be ready when his name is called.

"I'm happy to be here," he said. "I feel great. … However they want to use me up here, I'm going to try to help any way I can."

Holt was off to a strong start through three games with Pawtucket -- 4-for-11 with two doubles and two walks -- while playing the middle infield positions.

He hasn't played much third early on, but does not expect that to be an issue, the sense of comfort due in part to it being his second season with the organization. This time last year, he was getting his feet under him with a new team learning a new position. This time around, there is a much greater sense of familiarity.

"I haven't gotten as many reps at third this year as opposed to last year, but the times I was over there in Spring Training I felt comfortable," Holt said. "I felt like I had actually played there before, as opposed to last year, when I had no idea what was going on.

"It wasn't too comfortable last year. This year I felt a lot better. It helped me in Spring Training, just being around the guys again and going into the season as well."

The Sunday drive was Holt's second trip to Fenway in three days, the first coming to take part in the World Series ring ceremony Friday.

"The other day when we got to come up was a great experience, an awesome day to be a part of, something I won't forget for a long time," Holt said.