PAWTUCKET, R.I. – With Jose Iglesias traded and Will Middlebrooks promoted, Xander Bogaerts suddenly becomes important to the Red Sox for his glove as much as his promising bat.

“He’s playing a little more third base now that Will is gone,” said Pawtucket Red Sox Manager Gary DiSarcina, “but he’s still a big league shortstop in my mind. The organization still has 100 percent confidence that he’s going to be a shortstop. The (Red Sox) are just protecting themselves.”

Additional Photos

Xander Bogaerts may not quite be ready for the Red Sox, but he's learning in a hurry and if something else happens to Stephen Drew, just may get that call to be the shortstop. 2013 Press Herald File

Jackie Bradley Jr. played last season with the Sea Dogs, jumped to the Red Sox to start this year, and now has settled at Pawtucket, where he has gone through ups and downs. 2013 Press Herald File

If Middlebrooks is hurt or goes into a prolonged slump, Boston could call on Bogaerts. But there is another scenario to consider, especially since Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew already has spent two stints on the disabled list.

“You never know what’s going to happen. If something happens to Steve, (Bogaerts) better be ready,” DiSarcina said.

Bogaerts, 20, is one of several former Sea Dogs now playing for the Triple-A PawSox. Bogaerts played 56 games this season in Portland (.311 average, six home runs). He finished his 56th game for Pawtucket on Wednesday (.297, eight home runs). His OPS (combined on-base and slugging averages) is .853.

With every game, Bogaerts looks closer to being major league-ready.

But DiSarcina said Bogaerts needs to improve on certain areas, including his bunting and his baserunning.

“Xander understands he has work to do,” DiSarcina said.

But there was no talk of bunting when DiSarcina spoke after Wednesday’s game. Bogaerts crushed a home run into the wind over the McCoy Stadium wall in left-center.

“That’s big-league pop,” DiSarcina told the Providence Journal. “That’s raw power. That’s what everyone’s excited for with Xavier.”

Still, DiSarcina is also cautious in his praise.

“He’s progressing fine,” he said. “It’s at a slow rate. It should be at a slow rate. He’s a young kid.”

Here are some other former Sea Dogs at Pawtucket: 

JACKIE BRADLEY JR. ended last season in Portland and began this year in Yankee Stadium for the Red Sox opener. When Bradley came down to Triple-A he dominated, batting .419 in May.

But injuries and slumps have slowed Bradley. He’s batting .275 although his OPS is .869.

“He’s been steady in his progression as far as getting better,” DiSarcina said. 

BROCK HUNTZINGER is not a name mentioned when talking about pitchers in Pawtucket, although his numbers are impressive.

Since moving up to Pawtucket on June 15, Huntzinger has a 1.82 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP (walks/hits per innings pitched). In 292/3 innings, Huntzinger has struck out 30 and walked 13.

The Red Sox have used 25 pitchers this season with several shuttling back and forth from Fenway Park to McCoy Stadium.

Huntzinger, who is not on the 40-man roster, has not been one of them.

“I try to stay away from thinking about that kind of stuff,” Huntzinger said. “I don’t want it to affect what I’m trying to do. I don’t want to go out there and try to press.”

Huntzinger, 25, is still using the low 90s fastball, plus a slider and change-up.

“Even when we were wobbly with our pitching staff, he was our one mainstay we could count on to give us two solid innings,” DiSarcina said. “He did it with nothing over 91, 92 mph. Aggressive demeanor on the mound. Comes out of the bullpen and throws strikes, and that’s what you want.”

The Red Sox need to make a decision on Huntzinger. If he isn’t put on the 40-man roster soon after the season, he becomes a minor league free agent.

“I’m kind of nervous about that,” Huntzinger said, “but it’s all about getting the opportunity.” 

ALEX HASSAN isn’t a name often talked about, although he’s on the 40-man roster and batting .315 with a .430 on-base percentage (.891 OPS).

Hassan, 25, was injured much of last year and began this season on the disabled list because of a broken foot suffered before spring training.

But since returning June 12, he’s resumed his talents for getting on base.

“The beginning of the season was tough but I’m feeling good now,” Hassan said.

The challenge for the Red Sox is finding a position for Hassan, considered a corner outfielder, mainly in left. He’s also been tried at first base. 

DAN BUTLER is also on the 40-man roster but is in a crowd of five catchers. Boston has used Jarrod Saltalamacchia at its No. 1 catcher all year, with Ryan Lavarnway filling in for the injured David Ross, at least for a few more days. In Portland, Christian Vazquez is wowing scouts with his defensive skills and improving offense.

Where does that leave Butler?

“I haven’t thought it once this year, to be honest with you,” Butler said. “I’ll let you guys speculate. I just come out and play, and try to enjoy it.”

Once Lavarnway was promoted in mid-June and Butler, 26, got more playing time, he has thrived, batting .333 (42 of 126) with 10 home runs. 

ANTHONY RANAUDO will make his third Triple-A start Thursday night. He is 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA.

“I love his mentality. He’s a grinder,” DiSarcina said. “He’s not giving in to hitters. Reminds me a little bit of (Brandon) Workman.” 

OTHERS ON the Pawtucket roster that may be familiar include relievers Chris Martin (3.86), the first pitcher promoted to Triple-A this year, and Will Latimer (on the disabled list with an inflamed elbow); knuckleball pitcher Charlie Haeger (3-3, 5.29); infielder Heiker Meneses (just promoted and hitless in two games); outfielders Jeremy Hazelbaker (.266 with 10 home runs), Bryce Brentz (.272 with 16 homers, but done for the season after knee surgery on July 16, and Tony Thomas (recently promoted and batting .355 in eight games). 

Kevin Thomas can be reached at 791-6411 or:

kthomas@pressherald.com

Twitter: ClearTheBases2012

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