Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
The Red Sox are about to get an infusion of energy with outfielder Ryan Kalish expected to be at Wrigley Field tonight, according to a major league source.
Outfielder Ryan Sweeney, who has had a toe issue, will go on the 15-day disabled list.
The 24-year-old Kalish, who was activated off the major league disabled list and optioned to Triple A Pawtucket on June 9. He would have had to spend at least 10 days with Pawtucket before being recalled, but can come up now with a player going on the disabled list.
Kalish was hitting .378 with four homers and 10 RBI in nine games for Pawtucket.
Globe: Kalish called up as Sweeney goes to DL
It sucks the Sweeney has to make his second trip to the DL, but it doesn't suck that Kalish is back. Kalish has more than recovered from shoulder surgery that scrapped last season. Kalish was absolutely raking in Pawtucket and looks as if he has not missed a beat and the injury never happened.
The Red Sox should expect immediate production from Ryan Kalish, because he is just that good. I may be more excited to hear about the Kalish call-up as I was with Middlebrooks. Well, that may be pushing it, but he is going to be a treat for the fans.
Related: CSNNE: Sweeney to DL; Red Sox call up Kalish
On Page 2, Franklin Morales will try to do his job
Franklin Morales was surprised when Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine pulled him aside Saturday and said he would be starting against the Cubs Sunday night.
Morales has not started a major league game since April 21, 2009, when he was with the Rockies. He has pitched only in relief since, often for just one or two batters.
But the 26-year-old lefthander didn’t balk at the assignment to replace the injured Josh Beckett, who went on the 15-day disabled list with what the Red Sox are describing as shoulder inflammation.
“I’ll try and do my job,’’ said Morales. “I’ll go as long as I can go.’’
Morales is somewhat prepared. He went 4 1/3 innings and threw 52 pitches against the Blue Jays on June 3, and three innings and 36 pitches against the Nationals on June 9.
Morales has not pitched since and Valentine believes he can go five innings Sunday, if not six.
“He’s pitched multiple innings,’’ said Valentine. “He’s pitched ahead in the count with quality stuff. See if he can’t give us multiple innings again.
“I think he can pitch more than five. Whatever he gives us should be enough.’’
Globe: Morales glad to pitch in
I'm sure ESPN is absolutely loving that Morales is starting tonight instead of Beckett.
Franklin Morales could be a surprise in his spot start in place of Beckett. If he can go at least 5, the Sox may be in good shape. Bobby won't have a problem going to the pen early and I'm sure he will be making the trip to the mound often with the off-day tomorrow.
Happy Father's Day!
The rest of the links:
Globe: Pitching change has trickle-down effect | Herald: Road salt cleans up | Bobby V: Clay passes | Falling stars | Beckett gets thumbs down | CSNNE: Adjustments finally pay off for Lester | Saltalamacchia rewards Valentine's confidence | ESPN Boston: Fatherhood and Fenway | Triumphant Lester: 'One squared -up ball' | Pedroia's slump? Of course, it's the thumb
