Boston Red Sox Recall Jason Repko Following Ellsbury Injury

Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury’s injury forced the team to reshuffle its roster for the second day in a row, recalling outfielder Jason Repko and outfielder/infielder Nate Spears from Triple-A Pawtucket prior to the Sox game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Jason has never played at Fenway Park but will start in center field while batting in the ninth position.

To make room for the shift in assignments Che-Hsuan Link was sent back to Pawtucket and the Sox designated reliever Michael Bowden for assignment. Also designated for assignment was catcher Luis Exposito.

Repko who injured his left leg last week had to prove to team manager Bobby Valentine that he was healthy enough to be called up. In the meantime Repko can play seven positions on the field which should free up manager Bobby Valentine to shift around his players as needed.

According to Valentine:

“What we did was try to balance out the bench a little better and give us a little more versatility as we’re moving forward. Brought up a very versatile left-handed hitter in Nate Spears and a good defensive right-handed hitter in Jason Repko.”

Repko says he’s ready to play at Fenway after playing at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers which shares similar dimensions and is configured in a like-manner although Fenway is one of just three active Major League ballparks where Repko has never played.

In talking about his contribution to the Boston Red Sox the outfielder noted:

“Just to get out there and play strong defense and do the little things that might help the team win, bunt some guys over, just do the little things.”