Red Sox Activate Steven Wright, Place Hector Velazquez On DL

The Red Sox have activated right-handed pitcher Steven Wright and placed pitcher Hector Velazquez (lower-back strain) on the 10-day disabled list, the team announced Monday.

Wright returns to the Sox after a 15-game suspension for violating MLB's domestic violence policy and after surrendering seven earned runs and 20 hits over 14.2 innings during a four-game stint with Triple-A Pawtucket.

After an All-Star 2016 season with 13 wins in 24 starts, the 33-year-old knuckle-baller pitched in just five games last season, posting a 1-3 record and 8.25 ERA before undergoing season-ending knee surgery.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora plans to use Wright out of the bullpen, but with the potential to make spot starts.

“We feel like he can give us nine outs in certain situations and reset the bullpen," Cora said of Wright's role. "When he’s good, he’s really good."

Velazquez, meanwhile, goes to the disabled list with a 5-0 record and 2.10 ERA. The Mexico-born Velaquez, who pitched two innings in a May 13 win over the Blue Jays, has struck out 18 batters in 25.2 innings of work this season.

The Red Sox begin a seven-game homestand Monday night with the start of a three-game set against the Athletics.