Middlebrooks drives in eight for Triple-A Pawtucket

BOSTON -- The way Will Middlebrooks is swinging the bat, he won't be in Triple-A Pawtucket for much longer.

The third baseman had a monster night at Pawtucket on Wednesday, going 4-for-5 with two homers, a double and eight RBIs.

"The past couple of games, I've been trying to be patient and -- what's the word? -- selectively aggressive. Just seeing and hitting it, no matter what the count is," Middlebrooks told the Pawtucket Times. "If they're going to give me a good pitch, it doesn't matter what the count is."

Middlebrooks also indicated that his health played a role in his struggles with the Red Sox this season.

"I'm feeling normal and like myself again," said Middlebrooks. "Just some lingering things [earlier in the year]. It was nothing serious, but there was something tight."

For the Red Sox this season, Middlebrooks hit .192 with nine homers and 25 RBIs.

Part of the reason for his demotion on June 25 was the stellar play of Jose Iglesias, who is hitting .409 for Boston.

Iglesias is playing mostly third base because the Red Sox have veteran shortstop Stephen Drew. The last few days, Iglesias has played short while Brandon Snyder has been at third. Drew has been out with right hamstring tightness.

The Red Sox are hopeful Drew will be able to play during the early part of the team's West Coast trip, which opens Friday in Anaheim. If not, perhaps Middlebrooks will make a return engagement.