Report: Red Sox to activate Bregman Friday, option Hamilton

Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman will play this weekend against the Tampa Bay Rays, manager Alex Cora said, according to MassLive's Christopher Smith.

The Red Sox plan to activate Bregman before Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays, a source told Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald. Infielder David Hamilton was optioned to Triple-A Worcester following Thursday's game, Cerullo reports.

Prior to Thursday's game, Cora said that Bregman will likely suit up in two of Boston's final three games before the All-Star break. The skipper didn't know at that time whether the player would be activated from the injured list on Friday or Saturday.

Bregman, who was selected to play in the All-Star Game but won't participate, has been sidelined since May 23 due to a quad strain.

The 31-year-old was one of Boston's best hitters before the injury, slashing .299/.385/.553 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in 51 outings.

Bregman's imminent return comes as the Red Sox are riding a seven-game winning streak, which moved them into a wild-card spot.

With Bregman coming back and Hamilton being optioned, it's likely that rookie Marcelo Mayer will slide over to second base. Mayer has been covering the hot corner in Bregman's absence and has primarily played shortstop as a professional.

In addition to Bregman, the Red Sox plan to activate right-hander Hunter Dobbins from the IL on Friday, a source told Cerullo. Dobbins has been sidelined since mid-June with an elbow strain. Reliever Isaiah Campbell is being optioned to Triple-A to clear Dobbins' roster spot.