Off DL, Garcia back in right field, not at DH
Avisail Garcia will get a good look in the field down the stretch, which should make the 25- year- old right fielder happy. While he didn’t voice it until recently, Garcia didn’t care for the designated- hitter role he took over during the first part of the season.
The Sox activated Garcia from the disabled list Tuesday, and manager Robin Ventura put him in right, where he has struggled during his two- plus seasons — even though he led the majors with 17 outfield assists in 2015.
“We want to see him get out there and get better,’’ Ventura said.
“Defensively, he’s got some work to do, but he can get to the point where he can be there, an outfielder you want to have in the outfield and have some confidence in.’’
Garcia went on the DL on Aug. 9 after spraining his right knee stretching in the on- deck circle. He was hitting .240 with nine homers and 36 RBI in 86 games and had gone 5- for- 15 with three homers before the injury.
“Offensively, he has come a long way from where he was earlier in the year,’’ Ventura said. He’s got some power numbers starting to trend in a good direction.’’
Garcia says being active in the outfield keeps him in a better frame of mind and has a positive effect on his hitting. He said the knee is 100 percent.
“Feeling good, no pain, nothing,’’ he said. “Just happy to be back and playing again.’’
Jason Coats was returned to Class AAA Charlotte to make room for Garcia.
Still hurting
Second baseman Brett Lawrie ( hamstring) returned from his minor- league rehab stint with a sore quadriceps and is undergoing more tests.
“He hasn’t played enough to make it through a game, so there’s something going on there,’’ Ventura said.
Miguel Gonzalez ( groin) threw off a mound Friday and will throw another bullpen session Wednesday. He appears close to pitching in a minor- league game.
Tyler Saladino missed his fourth consecutive start after his back locked up on him but says it’s feeling better with each passing day.
Good look at Narvaez
Alex Avila ( hamstring) is doing his rehab at Charlotte, but it remains to be seen how much of the catching workload he’ll handle when he gets back because left- handed- hitting rookie Omar Narvaez, 24, will continue to play.
“You want to see as much of him as you can,’’ Ventura said.
Avila and Dioner Navarro are playing on one- year contracts at a position the Sox sorely need to shore up in 2017.
Watch the Burdi
First- round right- hander Zack Burdi of Downers Grove and the University of Louisville, who was on a streak of 16„ consecutive scoreless innings over nine appear- ances between Charlotte and Class AA Birmingham, had 25 strikeouts and five hits allowed during that stretch.
“Just an electric arm,’’ said Nick Capra, the Sox’ director of player development. “He’s touched 100- plus [ mph] several times. If he stays over the ball, he’s dynamite. Good slider, good put- away pitch. He has been impressive.’’
Capra said Burdi, 21, is close to being major- league- ready.