DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: AL East—Middlebrooks mired in minors

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox welcomed back Shane Victorino (OF, BOS) on June 8, a return that will curtail the playing time of Mike Carp (OF/1B, BOS), cost Jackie Bradley Jr. (OF, BOS) his roster spot and revert Jonny Gomes (OF, BOS) to the role he is best suited: facing LHP almost exclusively.

Carp has swung a hot bat but his BA will inevitably regress, given his 41% h% (83% over the last week) and 65% ct%. The power, though, suggests Carp has put his 2012 injury woes behind him.

Meanwhile, Will Middlebrooks (3B, BOS) will be left in the minors for an extra few days to find a “groove” before his return; his 69% ct% and 24% h% conspired to keep his BA around the Mendoza line. While Middlebrooks isn’t likely to contend for a batting title...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

With a number of position battles still underway in the NL West, extra spring training reps for competing players may be the difference between a regular role in the show and a possible trip back to the minors.
Mar 7 2026 3:10am
It's time for the World Baseball Classic; who will see more playing time while players represent their countries in the tournament?
Mar 6 2026 3:05am
Sal Perez's absence for the WBC could mean it's Carter Jensen's time to shine in Royals camp. Plus, looks at WBC impacts on all AL Central rosters.
Mar 5 2026 3:10am
With players leaving camp to play in the WBC, who could gain some playing time increases in the AL West?
Mar 4 2026 3:10am
A rejuvenated Eloy Jiménez has stood out in early Grapefruit League action and should continue to get at-bats with many Toronto regulars playing in the WBC. Plus, more WBC fallout from around the division.
Mar 3 2026 3:03am

Tools