As expected, the Red Sox have activated center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury from the disabled list prior to their game Friday night against the Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Ellsbury has been out since sustaining a partially dislocated left shoulder in the home opener on April 13. He has missed 79 games.
To make room on the roster for Ellsbury, expected to be back in his familiar leadoff spot Friday night, the Red Sox have designated journeyman righthander Justin Germano for assignment. That gives the team 10 days to trade, release or have the pitcher accept a minor league assignment.
Ellsbury hit .185 in his seven-game minor league rehabilitation assignment.
Red Sox rookie third baseman Will Middlebrooks, who missed the past week with a hamstring injury, is also back in the lineup, batting fifth.
More to come...