With Rocco Baldelli on the 15-day disabled list, the Red Sox needed someone who can serve as a backup to Jacoby Ellsbury in center field. J.D. Drew can play the position, but he is better suited for right field. Thus the reason Jonathan Van Every will likely be summoned from Pawtucket and Chris Carter will be sent down, according to the Providence Journal.
The 29-year-old Van Every, who was 4-for-17 (.235) in 11 games with the Red Sox last season, is proficient in center field and left field. He also has some pop in his bat. Last year, he belted 26 home runs in 380 at-bats for the Paw Sox. Van Every is the prototypical fourth outfielder at the major league level. He is ideal as a late-inning defensive replacement, and in a spot start.
Carter, who plays first base and the corner outfield spots, will benefit from returning to Pawtucket since Terry Francona did not give him a chance to start. The 26-year-old hits for average and power, but in limited time with Boston he was 0-for-5, including three pinch-hitting appearances.
Likely, Carter will be back with the Red Sox at some point this season. Hopefully, he will at least get some spot starts, which will allow him to get in a groove at the plate.
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