By Josh Maurer & Will Flemming

After breaking camp with the Red Sox, left-handed reliever Justin Thomas has been assigned to Pawtucket as a result of Boston activating lefty Rich Hill from his minor league rehab assignment (Tommy John).

While Thomas no-doubt would’ve preferred to stay with the parent club, he’s grateful for the time he was able to put in with Boston.

“It was just great to get back to the big leagues and have the opportunity to pitch … Being at Fenway Park for the first time, seeing that place, and seeing the 100 year anniversary game there, it was awesome.”

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Thomas, who appeared in seven games for the Red Sox, returns to the International League where he made a league-high 63 appearances last season.

“I’m ready to go everyday. I’m a guy who can come in and throw to one batter to get a lefty out in a situation, or go an inning or two.

Thomas joins an already crowded bullpen with rehabbing Andrew Miller and hard-throwing righty Mark Melancon. As Thomas pointed out, however, he will provide the club with a strong option versus left-handed hitting. Last season Thomas held opposing left-handed batters to a stingy .188 average (19-for-101), while allowing just one extra-base hit.

We may get our first look at Thomas tonight as the PawSox and Clippers play Game 2 of the series from beautiful Huntington Park in downtown Columbus. Thomas, and the rest of the bullpen, will need to bundle up. It’s predicted to be 48 degrees for our 7:05 first pitch. We hit the air at 6:50 with the pre-game show.

Talk with you then.

-AG

@aaronmgoldsmith

agoldsmith@pawsox.com