The Red Sox have decided to option Will Middlebrooks to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Jose Iglesias, considered the team's future shortstop, will play third on an everyday basis going forward.
"Will will be getting regular at-bats," John Farrell said. "For him to get back on track, he needs every-day at-bats.
"His skills haven't gone backward. He's still a very talented player. He needs consistent work that will allow him to replicate his swing. This isn't uncommon for a young player, to take a step back now for the bigger picture.
"He will be our everyday third baseman ... (but) this isn't going to be a numbers deal. It's not a matter of hitting .310 and coming back here."
Since June 24, 2012, Middlebrooks is hitting .210 in 328 at-bats.
Via Gordon Edes/ESPN
