ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Boston Red Sox put first baseman Mike Napoli on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained finger and recalled right-hander Brandon Workman, a former Portland Sea Dog, from Triple-A Pawtucket.

The moves were made before Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.

Napoli has been playing with an injured fourth finger on his left hand, along with nagging hamstring and calf issues. He also missed games Wednesday and Thursday due to flu-like symptoms.

The decision on Napoli allows Boston to keep right-hander Alex Wilson on the roster to help a taxed bullpen. The Red Sox used seven relievers in Saturday’s 6-5, 15-inning loss to Tampa Bay.

Napoli is hitting .260 with five homers and 22 RBIs this season. He will return to Boston for further examination. Mike Carp will fill in at first base.

“The fact is we needed to keep the added bullpen arm,” Boston Manager John Farrell said. “Mike is still a few days away.”

Workman was called up to start Sunday’s game with Rays in place of left-hander Felix Doubront, who is on the disabled list with a strained left shoulder. Workman made three relief appearances earlier this year before being optioned to Pawtucket on April 8.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.