BOSTON -- As expected, infielder Luis Jimenez joined the Boston Red Sox on Monday. Right-hander Dalier Hinojosa was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room on the roster.
Jimenez, claimed off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, is expected to serve the Red Sox as a right-handed bat off the bench during his time with the team. The 27-year-old had one hit in 15 at-bats with Milwaukee this season and owns a .218 lifetime batting average in three major league seasons.
"A utility guy we feel can add to depth [to the infield]," Sox manager John Farrell said of Jimenez. "In the event that we have a need here in case someone goes down, here's a guy that is on our roster and available to us. It's a matter of trying to find ways to strengthen our roster as best as possible."
With Jimenez up, the team's roster is back to having 13 position players, something they'll hope to continue with moving forward. Hinojosa had made his major league debut against the New York Yankees Sunday night, walking three and striking out two in 1 2/3 scoreless innings pitched.
Facing Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Jake Odorizzi on Monday, left-hander Brock Holt will be in the lineup playing right field. Holt didn't start two of the team's three games against New York over the weekend as Farrell continues to cycle guys through right field in hopes of getting someone going.
After a hot start to the season, Holt has just one hit in his last 14 at-bats. Daniel Nava is hitless in his last 17 at-bats and is one for his last 27. And although he hit a home run Friday night, Allen Craig has also struggled, collecting five hits in 37 at-bats this season.
"The guys that we're rotating through there, there's some track records to each," Farrell said. "You run with a guy for a while, let them have it, see what they're going to produce. And then, at the same time, trying to keep everyone in the mix as best as possible. That has been a position where it's certainly open for someone to jump up and take it."
Farrell reiterated Monday that usual starting right fielder Shane Victorino (hamstring) remains on track to begin rehabbing with Double-A Portland on Friday.
Top prospect Blake Swihart, who has caught both games for the team since being called up Saturday, will defer duties behind the plate to Sandy Leon Monday night.
Here's the Sox lineup as they get set for the first of three games against the Rays to end their nine-game homestand:
Mookie Betts, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Hanley Ramirez, LF
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Brock Holt, RF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Sandy Leon, C
Clay Buchholz, RHP