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Sandoval sits back down
By Peter Abraham
Globe Staff

HOUSTON — On Thursday night, the Red Sox justified their use of Pablo Sandoval by saying he deserved a chance to prove himself.

Sandoval was even allowed to bat with a runner on first and two outs in the ninth inning with the Sox trailing in Philadelphia, 1-0. With three pinch hitters available, Sandoval struck out on three pitches to end the game.

But Friday night, Sandoval was out of the lineup against the Houston Astros as Josh Rutledge started at third.

“Keeping everybody involved,’’ manager John Farrell said before the Red Sox’ 2-1 victory. “This is an extremely quick infield surface [and] a [Houston] lineup that strikes out the fewest in all of baseball. There’s going to be a high number of balls put in play that we anticipate. So just keeping everybody involved.’’

Rutledge went 1 for 4, but was flawless in the field. Sandoval didn’t get off the bench.

Prior to Thursday, Rutledge appeared in 14 of the previous 16 games, starting 10 times. It’s fair to say he’s been involved.

Farrell was more likely coming up with a respectful way of saying the Sox felt they had a better chance of winning the game with Rutledge playing instead of Sandoval.

Through Thursday, Sandoval was hitting .208 with a .621 OPS and had five errors in 26 games at third base. Rutledge came into the game with a .620 OPS but is a more competent fielder.

In the American League, the average OPS at third base per team is .746. The Red Sox are last at .573. Sandoval has started 24 games with Deven Marrero (20 starts) and Rutledge (13) seeing significant time.

The long-term solution to the position is Double A prospect Rafael Devers, but the Sox may soon consider whether 35-year-old free agent Jhonny Peralta would be a short-term upgrade. Trevor Plouffe, who was designated for assignment by Oakland on Thursday, is another possibility.

The Sox have two more games at Minute Maid Park. Farrell would not commit to whether Sandoval will return to the lineup.

“We’ll take a look at the matchups,’’ he said.

Pain in the neck

Hanley Ramirez was out of the lineup because of a muscle spasm on the right side of his neck.

That was the case Thursday, as well. It was described as a pinching sensation.

Ramirez played nine innings at first base Wednesday night, but Farrell said the injury was not related to that.

“As he was doing some work [on Thursday], it was a quick turn as he went to address someone and felt it grab him,’’ Farrell said. “That’s what I have.’’

Whether it’s related or not, Ramirez has played in the field twice this season and come away injured both times. He started at Milwaukee on May 10 and played only three innings before leaving the game with a sore trapezius. Ramirez then missed the next three games.

Smith held back

Righthanded reliever Carson Smith has shoulder inflammation and will not start a minor league rehabilitation assignment Sunday with Triple A Pawtucket.

Smith, who is coming back from Tommy John elbow surgery, was examined in Boston after several days of soreness.

It’s not unusual for pitchers coming back from a long layoff to feel soreness when they ramp up the intensity and frequency of their throwing.

“The hope this is a relatively quick turnaround,’’ Farrell said.

Smith will remain in Boston to get treatment. He had thrown a series of simulated innings to prepare for his rehab assignment. Farrell doesn’t believe that process will have to start over again.

Valentin injured

The Associated Press reported that former Red Sox infielder John Valentin and his mother were injured when the SUV he was driving crashed into a building in New Jersey.

Red Bank police chief Darren McConnell said Valentin, 50, was driving along Route 35 on Thursday when his vehicle left the roadway and slammed into a building used by the Visiting Nurse Association. More than half the SUV went into the building, which was unoccupied because the agency is moving.

McConnell said Valentin and his 71-year-old mother sustained injuries that were not life threatening.

Valentin played for the Sox from 1992-2001.

Honoring fathers

The teams will wear uniforms, socks, caps, and cleats with light blue accents Saturday and Sunday for Father’s Day and to raise awareness of prostate cancer . . . Eduardo Rodriguez is scheduled for another bullpen session Sunday. The lefthander, who is on the disabled list because of a dislocated right kneecap, is scheduled for agility and fielding drills this weekend . . . The Sox are considering the idea of having Christian Vazquez catch Rick Porcello on Saturday. Porcello has worked only with Sandy Leon this season and has a 4.67 ERA through 14 starts. He also leads the majors with 114 hits allowed. “It’s been discussed and through about, but I can’t say [Vazquez] will have him [Saturday] night,’’ Farrell said.

Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.