BOSTONIn addition to acquiring Marlon Byrd from the Cubs to shore up their injury-depleted outfield corps, the Red Sox will call up Lars Anderson Monday from Triple-A Pawtucket. He will take the place of Jason Repko, who injured his shoulder crashing into the wall in Saturdays game.
Anderson had only played first base since being drafted the Red Sox in the 18th round in 2006. He began playing left field during spring training and made his first appearance there for Pawtucket on April 9 after 639 career minor leagues.
Hes here in case I want to use him in the outfield, maybe as pinch hitter, left-handed bat, manager Bobby Valentine said.
Kevin Youkilis, who left Saturdays game with a left quad contusion after getting hit by a pitch would have been in the starting lineup if Sundays homestand finale against the Yankees had not been postponed because of weather.
Byrd also would have been in the starting lineup as the center fielder.
Byrd, who will be 35 in August, has played parts of 11 seasons with the Phillies, Rangers, and Nationals in addition to the Cubs. He has a career average of .278 and can play all three outfield positions, but has played the majority of his games in centerfield.
Byrd has gotten off to a rough offensive start this season, batting just .070 (3-for-43) with two RBI and a run scored in 13 games.
Hes a high-energy guy that Ive seen play in the past for the Cubs mainly, Valentine said. Right-handed hitter who isnt hitting right now, which is the good news. That means he will. He saved up all his hits for us, which I just mentioned to him. That was a good thing for him to do. Good defensive centerfield. Doesnt mind leaving his feet. Accurate arm.