I wonder if they would be signing Marlon Byrd if they were certain that Ellsbury is coming back this season. I mean, what are they going to do with five OF when Crawford and Ellsbury join Ross, McDonald, and Sweeney?
By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff
The Red Sox are closing in on a deal for Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd, according to a major league source, who said the deal was not yet done.
Byrd is playing center field for the Cubs and has gotten off to a slow start, 3-for-43 (.070).
The Red Sox were exploring all outfield options after Jason Repko was injured Friday.
The Red Sox don't appear to believe they have options available at Pawtucket. The Sox are currently playing with a few fourth and fifth outfielder types because Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford are injured.