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The Red Sox have placed right fielder Shane Victorino on the 15-day disabled list and recalled outfielder Jackie Bradely, Jr., as the Boston Herald's Mike Silverman reports. Victorino is suffering from a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He sustained the injury in the Sox final spring training game on Saturday.
Grade 1 is the least concerning type of hamstring strain, but the Sox are being cautious with Victorino.
Bradley, Jr. was set to take over as the team's regular centerfielder this season before the wild card signing of Grady Sizemore turned into pleasant surprise.
Sizemore hit .310/.356/.429 in 45 plate appearances this spring, and more importantly, he appeared to be healthy for the first time since 2009. The upside is certainly there with Sizemore. If healthy, he could be effective enough to keep Bradley out center all season.
However, with Victorino on the disabled list, Bradley will likely see considerable playing time in right field to open 2014. The Red Sox lineup features Mike Carp in left field and Daniel Nava in right. Introducing Bradley to the mix will give Boston some additional defensive range. He's expected to be a big part of the Sox future, but Sizemore's comeback could keep him from seeing the field regularly this season.