The Boston Red Sox expected Vaughn Grissom to be the everyday second baseman this season. But they haven’t seen much of him.
That very well could change over the second half of the season for Grissom, who spent the majority of this season battling hamstring injuries.
Grissom, who hasn’t played since June 1, began his latest rehab stint Saturday night with Triple-A Worcester. Grissom was Worcester’s designated hitter for the matchup against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and went 0-for-2 at the plate with two walks. The 23-year-old didn’t get a fifth at-bat as Bobby Dalbec pinch-hit for Grissom in the top of the ninth inning.
The clock has now started on Grissom’s rehab assignment as he has at most 20 days in the minor leagues before the Red Sox will have to make a decision on calling him up.
The Red Sox will most likely be cautious with Grissom to not reaggravate his hamstring injuries, which limited him to just 23 games in his debut season with Boston.
Boston surely hasn’t received the return on investment it thought it would get when it acquired Grissom from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Chris Sale. Sale earned All-Star status this year and is squarely in the National League Cy Young conversation.
Meanwhile, Grissom has hit just .148 (12-for-81) with no home runs, three RBIS and 19 strikeouts in his limited action.
Grissom returning and finding his offense would be an upgrade at second base for the Red Sox, especially since they are right in the middle of a playoff race.
