The Red Sox have activated utility man Kiké Hernández from the 10-day injured list, manager Alex Cora announced Tuesday evening. Hernández will bat leadoff and start in center field for the Sox in the first of three against the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla. Tuesday night.
Hernandez returns to Boston’s lineup after missing the last 10 games due to a right hamstring strain suffered in the first inning of the team’s May 6 game against the Tigers.
After being placed on the IL on May 7, the 29-year-old spent this past weekend on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester and went 2-for-6 with two home runs (including a grand slam), five RBI, and three runs scored in two games for the WooSox at Polar Park.
“It went really well,” Hernandez said of his rehab assignment when speaking with reporters before Tuesday’s game. “Back in 10 days. Took the minimum. 10 days felt like a month, but glad to be back. Glad to be here.”
With the Red Sox this season, the right-handed hitter comes into play Tuesday slashing .239/.298/.425 with four home runs, 10 RBI, and 19 runs scored over 30 games (124 plate appearances). In those 30 games, the versatile veteran has seen time at second base, shortstop, and — for the most part — center field.
The Sox were able to activate Hernandez from the injured list without making a corresponding move on account of the fact that infielder Jonathan Arauz was optioned to Worcester after Sunday’s game against the Angels.
Arauz went 2-for-8 at the plate with one RBI and two runs scored over four games in his first big-league stint of the season. The 22-year-old was initially recalled from the WooSox when fellow infielder Christian Arroyo was placed on the IL due to a left hand contusion back on May 9.
(Picture of Kiké Hernández: Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
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