'I don't know if I could think of a guy on our club that's more deserving': Sox call up Dalbec

WORCESTER — Bobby Dalbec’s travel plans changed drastically on Saturday.

Originally penciled in the Worcester Red Sox starting lineup for their game against the Syracuse Mets at Polar Park, the 28-year-old slugger quickly found himself arranging a way to get to Rogers Centre in Toronto to join the Red Sox for their series with the Blue Jays.

Dalbec was recalled from Triple-A Worcester after the Red Sox placed first baseman Triston Casas on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

“It came together kind of quickly,” WooSox manager Chad Tracy said. “... I don’t know if I could think of a guy on our club that's more deserving of it, that’s waited awhile and for him to get that opportunity is really cool.”

Dalbec is 2 for 12 in 10 games with the Red Sox this season, spending four contests at first base, two as the designated hitter, and one game each at second base, third base and shortstop. Selected by the Red Sox in the fourth round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft, Dalbec holds a hitting line of .231 with 33 doubles, seven triples, 45 home runs and 133 RBI across 283 career Major League games.

Shortly after being optioned back to Worcester following his last call-up to Boston in May, Dalbec was asked about his future — or another promotion — with the Red Sox.

“I can’t control any of that stuff,” Dalbec said in June. “Just trying to be consistent wherever I’m at every day.”

Dalbec, who was scheduled to hit fourth and play first base for the WooSox on Saturday, is currently tied for the International League lead with 33 home runs and ranks third in slugging percentage (.557). The right-hander is hitting .269 with a .938 OPS, 14 doubles, three triples, 82 runs scored and 79 RBI in 114 games with Triple-A Worcester.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” Tracy said.

On Saturday morning, Tracy brought Dalbec into his office to personally express his gratitude to the infielder/outfielder for his strong work ethic and locker room presence this season.

“He’s very, very loved in there,” Tracy said, “and to become part of our clubhouse and not be distant from it, I thanked him for that because it was a big reason why we had the year that we have.”

Now, it seems like Dalbec could finish the year in a different clubhouse — with the Red Sox.

— Contact Tommy Cassell at tcassell@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tommycassell44.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Boston Red Sox recall Bobby Dalbec from Triple-A Worcester