The Red Sox called up outfielder Daniel Nava for Thursday's game against the Indians. After a slow start, Nava has been among the hottest hitters in Triple-A over roughly the past three weeks.
In his last 16 games, he leads the International League with a .429 average, ranks second with a .484 OBP, third with a .696 slugging mark and third with a 1.181 OPS. In that span, he is 24-for-56 with two homers, seven doubles and a triple.
Though Nava was used primarily against left-handed pitchers when with the Sox in 2010, this year, he's hitting well against pitchers of both handedness. Against righties, he has a line of .328/.418/.552/.970, with marks of .286/.429/.393/.821 against southpaws.
The team optioned right-hander Clayton Mortensen, who has allowed just one run in 9 1/3 innings spanning three appearances while striking out 12 and walking none, to Triple-A. Justin Thomas was removed from the 40-man roster to clear a spot for Nava.
Nava will hit sixth and play left field against former Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe, who will be on the mound for the Indians. Kelly Shoppach will be behind the plate for starter Josh Beckett.
RED SOX LINEUP
Sweeney, RF
Pedroia, 2B
Ortiz, DH
Gonzalez, 1B
Middlebrooks, 3B
Nava, LF
Aviles, SS
Byrd, CF
Shoppach, C
Beckett, SP
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