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Bogaerts' arrival unknown, but highly anticipated

Red Sox's top position prospect honing his craft at Triple-A Pawtucket

BOSTON -- One intriguing thing to follow down the stretch for the Red Sox is the timetable for the arrival of Xander Bogaerts. Will the man most regard as the top position prospect in the organization be called up when rosters expand in September, or even sooner?

The 20-year-old Bogaerts started the season at Double-A Portland and played 56 games before his promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket.

In 40 games with the PawSox, Bogaerts is hitting .273 with eight homers, 24 RBIs and an .853 OPS.

"I think Xander's doing everything that he can to tell us when he's ready to come to the big leagues. Whether that's this week or next month, that's still in the debate or in the conversation," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "But he's an exciting young player, I think we're all looking forward to the day that he begins his career, not knowing when that's going to be."

Interestingly, Bogaerts got the start at third base for Pawtucket on Monday. Shortstop is his main position, but third is the area he might be able to help the Red Sox at this season.

"There's still some things that are a work in progress for him defensively," Farrell said. "And any time you go up against more veteran and accomplished pitching, that's going to be another adjustment on his part. But he's a pretty exciting player."

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne.
Read More: Boston Red Sox, Xander Bogaerts