The Boston Red Sox will have Will Middlebrooks begin working in the outfield to increase his versatility.

Middlebrooks, a third baseman, has been on the disabled list since May 17 with a fractured right index finger. He began a rehab assignment with Pawtucket over the weekend and served as the designated hitter.

In addition to making Middlebrooks more versatile and valuable, he could also help Boston's outfield production. As a team, the outfield is hitting .231 and a .639 OPS this season.