Nava returns from paternity leave

KANSAS CITY -- Daniel Nava came off paternity leave to rejoin the Red Sox on Thursday, and manager John Farrell wasted no time in getting Nava back into the lineup.

Nava drew the start at first base for the opener of the Kansas City series while hitting seventh. To make room for Nava, the Red Sox optioned right-hander Steven Wright to Triple-A Pawtucket. Wright had been 2-0 for Boston with a 5.40 ERA in four games.

Nava's wife, Rachel, gave birth to daughter Faith on Monday morning.

"She did great and the baby's healthy," Nava said.

Nava can relate to the recent decision of professional golfer Hunter Mahan, who chose to leave a tournament he was leading in order to get home for the birth of a child.

"The birth of your child is something you don't want to miss," Nava said. "You have a lot of respect for someone who leaves a tournament like that when he's ahead. You can get another chance to play, but you only have one chance to be there for the birth of that child."

Nava rejoined the Red Sox having hit .282 with 10 homers and 53 RBIs through 333 at-bats.

"He has been a major contributor all year," Farrell said. "He has put up a lot of good at-bats. He had three days to welcome his daughter into the world and he's back with us now."