MOOKIE BETTS RETURNS TO PORTLAND

MLB REHAB ASSIGNMENT FOR THE FORMER SEA DOG ON SUNDAY IN AKRON

Portland, Maine - Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts is expected to join the Portland Sea Dogs on a Major League rehab assignment this afternoon (Sunday), as the Sea Dogs conclude a three-game series with the Akron RubberDucks (Indians affiliate) at Canal Park. First pitch is 2:05 PM and can be heard on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network beginning at 1:45 PM.

Betts, 22, was placed on the 7-day disabled list on July 29th with concussion symptoms. In 97 games with the Red Sox this season, Betts is hitting .265 (103-for-338) with 10 homers and 48 RBI.  The Nashville, Tennessee native has 25 doubles, 6 triples and 13 stolen bases.

Last season, Betts was part of Portland's best team in franchise history (88-54), hitting .355 (76-for-214) with 6 HR and 34 RBI. He appeared in 54 games, collecting 18 doubles, 3 triples, 35 walks and 22 stolen bases. Betts reached base in 66 straight games from the end of the 2013 season until May 19th.

Betts was the Eastern League Player of the Month for April and named to the Baseball America All Star Team in 2014. Additionally, Betts was promoted to Pawtucket on June 3, 2014, hitting .335 (62-for-185), 5 HR and 31 RBI in 45 games. Betts made his Major League debut on June 29, 2014 at Yankee Stadium, going 1-for-3, BB.

This will mark the sixth time this season the Sea Dogs have hosted a Red Sox player on a rehab assignment.  Betts joins Shane Victorino (2x: 5/8-9, 6/30-7/1), Justin Masterson (June 5), Ryan Hanigan (6/28-29) and Blake Swihart (July 16-18). Betts will be the 40th player to make a MLB Rehab Assignment in Portland and the 34th as a Red Sox affiliate.