Bregman will bat second and play third base for Boston against the Rays Friday. The post Red Sox’ Alex Bregman returns after missing 43 games due to quad strain appeared first on Boston.com.

The veteran third baseman will join the Red Sox to face the Rays this weekend for the final series before the All-Star break after missing seven weeks due to a quadriceps strain. Bregman is back without a rehab assignment and is expected to start in two of Boston's final three games of the first half.

After edging the Rays 4-3 in Thursday’s opener, the Red Sox followed up with a 5-4 win Friday to extend their win streak to 8 games. Boston has been red-hot, posting back-to-back sweeps over the Washington Nationals (July 4-6 on the road) and Colorado Rockies (Monday through Wednesday at home).

Red Sox: Hunter Dobbins (0-0) BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Red Sox, on a four-game home winning streak, host the Tampa Bay Rays. Boston is 29-20 at home and 50-45 overall. The Red Sox have a 37-12 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.