Sox recall Bradley for outfield depth, option Wright

BOSTON -- Jackie Bradley Jr. reappeared at Fenway Park on Tuesday, and he will serve as a reserve outfielder at a time when the Red Sox are shorthanded.

To make room for Bradley's recall from Pawtucket, knuckleballer Steven Wright was optioned back to Triple-A after a one-day stint on Boston's Major League roster.

The Red Sox had been playing with just three reserves the last few days after Shane Victorino went on the disabled list. And with Mike Napoli likely to miss at least a couple more days with an illness, manager John Farrell would have only had two reserves at his disposal without the addition of Bradley.

Last season, Bradley served as the primary center fielder for the Red Sox. He played spectacular defense, but he had a near season-long slump at the plate.

Bradley has swung the bat well at Triple-A, producing a line of .315/.383/.411.

"I definitely feel like I've been able to get in a routine, continuously work and help out the team as much as I can," Bradley said.

What has led to Bradley's strong start at the plate?

"A combination, I think," said Bradley. "I'm swinging at good pitches and actually making contact. You make contact, good things happen. I don't think it's anything else besides those two. You swing at good pitches, you put good swings on them, then hopefully you find some holes."