ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — First baseman Sam Travis has been with the Red Sox for 36 days and 34 games in his two call-ups from Triple A Pawtucket this season.

The 23-year-old has played in 15 games, starting nine of them, and has 44 plate appearances, all but 14 against lefthanded pitchers.

For development purposes, it’s not ideal. Travis would be playing every day in the minors and getting a chance to improve on his weakness. On the major league roster, he’s a spare part with a specific purpose.

For the Sox, balancing the needs of the major league team with what is right for Travis is tricky.

“That’s a challenge, I’ll admit that,’’ manager John Farrell said Saturday. “We try and pick spots where he gets at least a pinch-hit at-bat to stay in the flow of things. We’ve come into two series where there’s just been one lefthanded starter to match him up against.

“At some point you do have to determine what’s best for him, because in the long run, that will be what is best for us as a team. That’s not lost. That’ll all be factored in as we come out of the second half.’’

Designated hitter Hanley Ramirez could back up Mitch Moreland at first base but Farrell has been cautious about using him in the field because of a sore right shoulder. Brock Holt and Josh Rutledge can play first but both are on the disabled list.

The answer could soon be Holt, who continued his rehab assignment with Triple A Pawtucket on Saturday. The utility player is making good progress after missing several months with concussion-like symptoms caused by vertigo.

“Things are really moving in the right direction. He’s feeling confident with each added day on the field,’’ said Farrell, who spoke to Holt on Saturday. “That’s been a real positive development.’’

Travis feels like he is able to improve even without playing every day.

“I still come in every day and get my work in. I feel like I’m getting better,’’ Travis said. “I prepare as though I’m playing. I’m learning every day being around the team and the coaches.’’

Travis is hitting .275 with four doubles, nine runs scored, and one RBI. He has contributed to several victories. But because he only plays first base, opportunities are limited.

“I’ll do whatever I can for this team,’’ Travis said. “It has been great being around these guys and talking about the game and learning situations.’’

Travis had only 190 plate appearances last season because of a knee injury. Counting the minors, he has 226 this season, a number that won’t go up much if he remains in the majors.

If Holt can play first, Travis could play regularly for Pawtucket then rejoin the Sox as a September call-up.

“I think he definitely has benefited from being in the environment,’’ Farrell said. “He’s done a very good job with what he can control in his preparation with his daily work. A difficult spot for a young guy.’’

Rotation set

The Sox will come out of the All-Star break with Drew Pomeranz facing the Yankees on Friday. Chris Sale starts Saturday with Rick Porcello and David­ Price getting the doubleheader next Sunday.

Eduardo Rodriguez will come off the disabled list to start against Toronto on July 17. Doug Fister would then start July 18.

The schedule gives every starter at least two extra days of rest. Sale would have eight days off outside of the inning he is expected to throw in the All-Star Game on Tuesday.

Rodriguez is scheduled to pitch for Triple A Pawtucket on Sunday in his final tuneup. He will face Buffalo at McCoy Stadium. Rodriguez is on the disabled list with a right knee injury.

Bradley gets a break

Jackie Bradley Jr. was out of the lineup for the first time since May 24. Farrell wanted to give him a day of rest and get Chris Young a start. “Didn’t want to go nine or 10 days without [Young] playing,’’ Farrell said. The Sox could give Mookie Betts a day off Sunday . . . The St. Petersburg Times reported that the Red Sox will open the 2018 season with a four-game series against Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field. Opening Day would be March 29 . . . The series ends Sunday with Price facing his protégé, Chris Archer. Price is 3-1 with a 3.30 earned run average in his last five starts. The former Rays All-Star has a 2.86 ERA on four starts at Tropicana Field against the Rays since he was traded in 2014.

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