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Jose Iglesias, who was released by the Angels on Friday, signed with the Red Sox on Monday. Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

In desperate need of infield help as they continue to be ravaged by a COVID-19 outbreak, the Red Sox are bringing back a familiar face.

The Red Sox have reunited with José Iglesias, signing the 31-year-old to a major-league deal on Monday. The shortstop was released by the Angels on Friday, opening the door for his return to Boston.

Iglesias signed as an international amateur free agent with the Red Sox in 2009 and began his big-league career in Boston before being traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2013 in the deal that brought back Jake Peavy, who was a big piece of their World Series run that year.

Iglesias, known more for his defensive prowess, was slashing .259/.295/.375 with a .670 OPS, eight homers and 41 RBI in 114 games before his release.

The signing of Iglesias figures to offer immediate middle infield relief for the Red Sox, who have five infielders – Kiké Hernández, Christian Arroyo, Xander Bogaerts, Yairo Muñoz and Danny Santana – on the COVID-19 related injured list. Hernandez, Arroyo and Bogaerts are likely to return this week. Jonathan Arauz has primarily played shortstop since the outbreak began 10 days ago.

Jack López, who made his debut amid the outbreak and played five games, was optioned back to Worcester. Josh Taylor, who was considered a close contact, was reinstated from the COVID IL.


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