Will Middlebrooks was summoned into manager John Farrell’s office around noon Tuesday to hear news that, judging by his body language in recent games, he could sense was coming.
He had watched five of the past six Red Sox games from the dugout, sinking in a sea of inconsistency at the plate.
Meanwhile, Jose Iglesias was making it impossible for Farrell to keep him out of the lineup. It had become clear to Farrell that even though he still envisioned Middlebrooks as an important part of the Red Sox’ future, they currently are a better team with Iglesias in the lineup.
So with Iglesias having earned the job as the every-day third baseman, the Red Sox optioned Middlebrooks to Triple A Pawtucket. Full story for BostonGlobe.com subscribers.
Julian Benbow can be reached at jbenbow@globe.com.
