Boston shortstop Stephen Drew will begin a stretch of what could be around 10 games in the minor leagues at Single-A Greenville.
The Red Sox optioned the recently signed infielder to the minor club Friday.
Drew agreed to re-sign with Boston Tuesday, six months after he had rejected a qualifying offer from the World Series champions to become a free agent.
Boston manager John Farrell before Friday night’s game at Tampa Bay said Drew would spent four days with Greenville before joining either Double-A Portland or Triple-A Pawtucket. The plan is for Drew to get around 25 at-bats overall.
Drew, who spent one season in Boston, turned down a $14.1 million offer from the Red Sox last year after helping the team capture their third title in 10 years.
His deal has a pro-rated $14 million salary.
Drew batted .253 with 13 home runs and 67 RBIs in 124 games with Boston last season.
Also, the Red Sox recalled right-hander Alex Wilson from Pawtucket.