Calf strain sends Middlebrooks to DL

BOSTON -- Will Middlebrooks' MRI on Sunday morning confirmed what the Red Sox had thought when he was a late scratch Saturday: He has a strained right calf. As a result of the Grade 1 strain, the third baseman was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Jonathan Herrera was playing third and batting seventh against the Brewers on Sunday afternoon, but utility infielder Brock Holt -- recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to fill the roster spot -- is also an option. Manager John Farrell said the team will look at who provides the better matchup for a given game.

Middlebrooks is 3-for-13 (.231) with a solo homer and a walk through four games.

"Unfortunately we're missing a power right-handed bat that was getting off to what looked to be a pretty darn good start," Farrell said.

Herrera manned the hot corner in Saturday's extra-inning loss after Middlebrooks was a late scratch, going 1-for-4 with an RBI in just his 44th Major League game at third.

"This is a veteran guy who is accustomed to that role. He finds a way to contribute based on his skills, and he was able to do that [Saturday] night," Farrell said. "He did everything you could have asked [Saturday] night."

Garin Cecchini, the organization's No. 7 prospect according to MLB.com, was also thought to be a possibility given his strong start at Pawtucket, but the team decided against it. Cecchini was 5-for-9 (.556) with a double, three RBI and two walks through three games.

"While he's had good at-bats there, there's still some development defensively that's taking place," Farrell said. "His time is coming, but we didn't feel like it was right now."

Holt offers the Red Sox more versatility than Cecchini. Holt can play second base and shortstop as well as third, while Cecchini is limited to third.