Red Sox call up switch-hitting infielder, option Jamie Westbrook to Triple-A

A couple of weeks ago, Red Sox manager Alex Cora gave an unsolicited shoutout to Triple-A infielder Nick Sogard, suggesting it would only be a matter of time before the switch-hitting utility standout found himself in the majors.

That day has finally arrived.

Cora announced that Sogard has been called up to the big leagues and will be active for Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners.

Red Sox manager offers unsolicited endorsement of Triple-A standout

The Red Sox also activated newly acquired right-hander Lucas Sims, and to clear space on the roster the club optioned second baseman Jamie Westbrook to Worcester and designated right-hander Yohan Ramirez for assignment.

“He earned the promotion,” Cora said. “He did an outstanding job throughout the year, obviously this is where we’re at roster-wise and we felt like having a switch hitter is going to help us.”

In 89 games at Triple-A this season Sogard has batted .279 with 12 home runs, 54 RBI, 10 stolen bases and an .821 OPS. He’s played every infield position plus both corner outfield spots, and Cora said he’ll play regularly against left-handers in Boston.

“You talk to (WooSox manager) Chad Tracy and he tells me all the good things he’s doing. We know the player, we know the work ethic and he’s been solid in every aspect,” Cora said. “He put up good numbers, controlled the strike zone, hit the ball hard from both sides, good defender, so just like (Westbrook) did earlier, he earned the promotion and now he’s here.”

Sogard has never appeared in an MLB game, but he has plenty of big league pedigree. His cousin is 11-year MLB veteran Eric Sogard and his uncles are Steve and Dave Sax, who both enjoyed successful careers in the ’80s and ’90s.

Injury updates

Right-hander Chris Martin (right elbow inflammation) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Wednesday afternoon.

“It was good, elbow felt good, threw 25 pitches, my last five the body got a little fatigued but that’s normal it’s got to build back up,” Martin said. “Today was successful.”

Martin said he expects to throw another bullpen at a time to be determined, and if all goes well he will hopefully begin a rehab assignment sometime early next week.

In addition, first baseman Triston Casas (torn cartilage in ribcage) went 0 for 3 with a walk in his first rehab game with the Worcester Red Sox on Tuesday. He was scheduled to play nine innings at first base on Wednesday.

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