KANSAS CITY -- The Red Sox brought some reinforcements to Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday to patch their banged-up infield.
First baseman Sam Travis and infielder Deven Marrero were recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket. Third baseman Pablo Sandoval was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left inner ear infection and right-hander Austin Maddox was optioned to Pawtucket.
While Sandoval's infection isn't the type of thing that would normally necessitate a DL stint, his unavailability for Tuesday in addition to Dustin Pedroia (left lat/rib cage injury) not being ready to return forced the roster moves. In addition, first baseman Mitch Moreland has been playing through a fracture on his left big toe.
"I can't say [Sandoval is] much improved over last night," Red Sox manager John Farrell said before Tuesday's game. "He had a difficult time just getting through last night's game with what he's dealing with and with the overall state of our roster, the tentative situation with Pedey and Mitch, who's got to be managed because of the toe situation there, we felt like we needed to give this a few days to clear up.
"It was an elevated fever last tonight as the game went along. [He] was not going to be available today based on the way last night unfolded, so the move to put him on the disabled list is here."
Travis started Tuesday's game at first base while Marrero got the nod at third. Both players helped the Red Sox in a previous roster stint this season. Travis, Boston's No. 3 prospect, will mainly start against lefties.
There's a chance Pedroia will return Wednesday, but the start of the homestand on Friday seems more realistic.
"A little bit better today," said Farrell. "[He] tried to swing earlier in the cage. There's still some restriction, because of the swelling and soreness that was there. I wouldn't completely rule out tomorrow, but we need another full day of recovery and treatment today."
Sandoval has had a hard time gaining any type of traction in his attempt to come back from a disappointing first season in Boston and one last year that was lost almost entirely due to injury.
The veteran was on the disabled list from April 24 to May 29 with a right knee sprain. He is batting .212, with four home runs and 12 RBIs in 32 games.
Worth noting
• The plan for lefty starter Eduardo Rodriguez, who is on the comeback trail from a subluxation in his right knee, is to face hitters at Fenway Park before Saturday's game. If that goes well, Rodriguez will start a Minor League rehab assignment by mid to late next week. He could be back with the Red Sox by early July.
• Fittingly, while Farrell was managing in Kansas City on Monday night, his son Luke fired a gem for the Royals' Triple-A Omaha affiliate. Over eight innings, Luke Farrell allowed three hits and a run while striking out nine.
"Yeah, it looks like he threw the ball pretty darn well," said John Farrell. "I know talking to him last night, he felt good about his outing and he's starting to string a few together. We'll see where that takes him."