Red Sox have internal options in Craig, Bradley

ATLANTA -- As the Red Sox struggle to get consistent offensive production, a proven run producer remains at Triple-A Pawtucket. And perhaps at some point, Allen Craig will resurface.

• Cast your Esurance All-Star ballot for #ASGWorthy players

The outfielder, who was optioned and later outrighted, is hitting .298 with a .407 on-base percentage for Pawtucket.

"I think there needs to be a role, a real role, and if that opens up, then we have no hesitation to bring him back," said general manager Ben Cherington on Wednesday. "He's swung the bat well. I still think he's a good Major League hitter. There needs to be a real role for that to happen, for that to make sense, so for now he's in Pawtucket. It's obviously not an ideal situation for him, but he's handled it like an absolute pro, and we'll have to see what happens."

Though Jackie Bradley Jr. doesn't share Craig's veteran status, he is in the same boat, performing very well at the Triple-A level. In 43 games for Pawtucket, Bradley is hitting .333 with a .903 OPS. He was used sparingly in multiple stints at the Major League level this season.

"Very encouraged," Cherington said of Bradley. "He's made an adjustment offensively and been one of the better hitters in the International League all year. Obviously the defense has always been there. He's played hard at the top of that lineup every day. He looks like a good Major League player, the way we always thought that he could be. That's where he is right now."