Iglesias Called Up, Tazawa Sent Down

In the first of what will likely be several roster moves over the next few days, the Red Sox optioned pitcher Junichi Tazawa to Pawtucket and called up shortstop Jose Iglesias (.200/.274/.212). Tazawa pitched last night and has options, so he is the logical candidate to go.

With Kevin Youkilis out of the lineup for the third consecutive game, Bobby Valentine said the team needed an infield backup Tuesday night.

With the [wet] playing conditions and with the roster situation, I didn't think it was fair to the team to play so short in the infield, so we have a backup in case we need it.

It is unclear whether Youkilis will be put on the disabled list. Valentine:

Yesterday it was during infield practice, the day before it was during batting practice. He's doing everything he can. Other [medical] opinions or any of that stuff, I'm not sure where we are on any of it.

If Yook does go on the DL, the consensus is that the team will swap Iglesias for Will Middlebrooks, who has been tearing up the International League (1.104 OPS in 96 PA) but is nursing a tweaked thumb at the moment.

Aaron Cook pitched 6.1 innings for Pawtucket on Saturday and can opt out of his contract if he is not added to the major league roster by midnight. The Red Sox might send Iglesias back down after tonight's game and call up Cook to take Tazawa's spot in the bullpen.