Vaughn Grissom healthy and in lineup at second base for Red Sox debut - The Boston Globe

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"It's been a long road," Grissom said before the Sox' 5-2 loss to the Twins. "Me, the training staff, everybody's been working to get to this point. So it's really exciting."

The Sox acquired Grissom from the Braves on Dec. 30 for Chris Sale. Their belief in Grissom was such that they included $17 million in the deal to land the middle infielder.

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"This is a guy we recognized in the offseason. It was a big trade, right? Now and for the future and the future is now," manager Alex Cora said.

Batting seventh, Grissom was 0 for 3, making contact three times. He was solid defensively.

Grissom hit .287 with a .746 OPS over 64 major league games from 2022-23 for the Braves. He debuted at 21 and is the youngest member of the Red Sox.

"I don't have all my stamina back. Energy is good though," Grissom said. "Just trying to take it pitch by pitch."

Cora said the plan was for David Hamilton to start at second base Saturday, with Grissom returning Sunday then playing both games against the Braves next week in Atlanta.

"We have to take care of him," Cora said.

Grissom was considered one of the top prospects in the game but the Braves settled on Ozzie Albies at second base. Now Grissom gets his chance for a Sox team that has already given four other players starts at the position.

He should give the lineup a boost.

"I put the ball in play. That's what I bring to the table," Grissom said. "Just excited to come show what I can do."

Grissom, who didn't appear in any spring training games, played nine games for Triple A Worcester and had an .844 OPS.

"Good to have him back. He's never played for me," Cora said. "Good kid; good player. We know he can hit. He's playing second base and it's a challenge. But excited about the lineup.

"It seems like he's been in the league for a while. I'm very excited."

Nick Pivetta was 1-1 with a 0.82 ERA through two starts this season before landing on the injured list.Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Starters nearing returns

The Sox are getting the band back together. Or at least their rotation.

Nick Pivetta rejoined the team after pitching three innings for Worcester in a rehabilitation start Thursday.

"Everything is trending in the right direction," Cora said.

So much so that Pivetta is now tentatively lined up to start against the Braves on Wednesday. He has been out since April 6 with a flexor strain.

Brayan Bello, who is on the injured list with lat tightness, is scheduled to pitch for Double A Portland on Tuesday at Hadlock Field. The expectation is he will need just that one minor league start before being activated.

Garrett Whitlock, who hasn't pitched since April 16 because of an oblique strain, is set for a bullpen session here Saturday.

Masataka Yoshida, who has been shutdown with a sprained left thumb, is not with the team as the designated hitter seeks a second opinion. Surgery is a possibility.

"We'll know more in the upcoming days," Cora said.

Righthander Bryan Mata, who has been out all season with a right hamstring strain, threw live batting practice in Fort Myers, Fla. He is moving closer to a rehab assignment.

Mata, who turned 25 on Friday, is out of minor league options and would have to be added to the major league roster once his assignment is up. That can be as long as 30 days for pitchers.

He has no major league experience and a 5.01 ERA in 14 Triple A games from 2022-23.

Dalbec to Triple A

Bobby Dalbec was optioned to Worcester to make a roster spot for Grissom. The 28-year-old infielder has a .470 OPS over 43 major league games the last two seasons. Cora felt the pressure to perform was wearing on Dalbec. "Now go down there, breathe a little bit and play," Cora said. Cora said Dalbec's defense at first base helped the Sox win a few games. "He'll be back. The way this is going, we're going to need him," Cora said … The Twins placed center fielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list with inflammation in his right knee. He was hitting .250 with a .691 OPS over 28 games. Utilityman Austin Martin was recalled from Triple A … The Twins have a "Countdown to Cooperstown" sign in left field marking how many days until Joe Mauer is inducted in the Hall of Fame.

Peter Abraham can be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him @PeteAbe.

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