Holt back in starting lineup; Hernandez optioned

BOSTON -- The Red Sox at last welcomed Brock Holt back to the roster and the starting lineup for Monday’s 12-5 win over the Indians. He immediately contributed in his return, going 1-for-4 with one RBI and two runs. He also saved a run with a fantastic diving stop in the fifth inning.

The invaluable utility player had been out since April 6 due to a scratched cornea in his right eye and then a right shoulder impingement. Holt started at second base on Monday and Michael Chavis moved to first.

Aside from being one of the most popular players on the team, Holt can play every position but pitcher and catcher and also has a solid bat.

“It’s been a lot longer than I expected,” said Holt. “You get poked in the eye by your son, you don’t expect to be out as long as I have been. It’s the shoulder that was kind of holding me back this last probably month. But everything feels good. I’m excited to be back and hopefully I can go out there and help us out.”

Monday was the second day in a row first baseman Mitch Moreland has been out of the lineup. Moreland got belted on the right knee by a hard grounder on Saturday in Houston. He is expected to return on Tuesday.

Chavis is also versatile enough to play first, second and third. The combination of Chavis, Holt and Eduardo Nunez should give manager Alex Cora many options in the coming weeks.

“It’s important for us,” Cora said of Holt’s return. “Gives us opportunities to give guys rest. A left-handed hitter, he’s going to give us options late in games. We know the type of player he is. He can play first, second, third, short, the outfield so we get a complete player and it makes the roster that much better.”

To make room for Holt on the roster, the Sox optioned lefty and top pitching prospect Darwinzon Hernandez to Double-A Portland. Hernandez was called up for Sunday’s game in Houston in case the Sox needed help in the bullpen, but didn’t pitch. He will go back to the rotation for Portland.

Pitching plans

Lefty David Price, who was removed from his start on Saturday after 15 pitches in the first inning due to flu-like symptoms, will pitch on Tuesday night against the Indians.

Righty Ryan Weber will start Wednesday’s series finale. This sets up ace Chris Sale to pitch Thursday’s opener of a four-game series at Yankee Stadium.