Allen Craig Shows Some Rust in First Game Back for Sox

In his first action with the Red Sox since Aug. 1, outfielder Allen Craig showed some rust in returning to the bigs after an almost three-week stay on the DL.

Craig went 0-for-3 with one runner left on base as the designated hitter in the Sox’ 2-0 loss to the Angels, the Halos’ first four-game sweep at Fenway since 1962.

It was originally expected that Craig would play in Pawtucket on Thursday, but the decision was made before the series finale with the Angels that the outfielder would be activated and start in the Boston lineup.

In two rehab games with the PawSox earlier this week, Craig went 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a run scored.

Craig was traded to the Red Sox from the Cardinals along with Joe Kelly in the deal that sent John Lackey to St. Louis. In his first game with the Sox on Aug. 1, Craig went 1-for-4 in a 4-3 win over the Yankees.

In the game, Craig suffered an injured foot trying to beat out a double play, and was placed on the 15-day DL with a left foot sprain.

Prior to joining the Red Sox, Craig was hitting .237 with seven home runs and 44 RBIs in 97 games with the Cardinals.