BOSTON -- The Red Sox reinstated center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. from the paternity list Friday and inserted him into the starting lineup for the opener of a three-game series with the Blue Jays. He went 0-for-4 in Boston's 5-2 loss.
It has been a whirlwind few days for Bradley, whose wife, Erin, delivered the couple's first child on Thursday, a girl named Emerson. That was the same day Bradley was named the American League's Player of the Month for May.
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"I've been in close contact with him through texts over the last three days in which he went home for the birth of their child," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "So congratulations to Jackie and Erin. Glad he's back with us. He's had a whirlwind couple of days, a great monthly award for the work that he's put in and a growing family. We're glad Jackie's back in the clubhouse here today."
Rusney Castillo, who was summoned from Pawtucket to take Bradley's roster spot for the final three games of a four-game series in Baltimore, was optioned back to Triple-A. Castillo made a pinch-running appearance against the Orioles, but otherwise he didn't get on the field.
Bradley has made himself a strong candidate for All-Star consideration, posting a slash line of .381/.474/.701 in May. The left-handed hitter entered Friday ranked in the AL's top five in batting average (.331), on-base percentage (.409), slugging percentage (.601) and OPS (1.010).
Chris Young assumed center-field duties in Bradley's absence, going 5-for-11 with three RBIs in three games.