Darnell McDonald homered and doubled Thursday against the Cardinals.

McDonald might have been left out of Boston's plans with a completely healthy roster, but he'll likely make the team and see plenty of action early on if Carl Crawford starts on the DL as expected. He certainly hasn't hurt his case by starting 8-for-16 with two homers this spring.

Darnell McDonald homered and doubled in Friday's loss to the Pirates.

David Ortiz also homered in the loss. Assuming Carl Crawford (wrist) begins the season on the disabled list, McDonald could get some early playing time against southpaws in Boston's outfield. However, it's unlikely he'll be fantasy relevant outside of deeper AL-only formats.

On Monday, Darnell McDonald capped Boston's 15-run night with a pinch-hit, bases-clearing double against Baltimore.

Carl Crawford's return from the DL means McDonald will spend most of his time on the bench. But after starting the season 7-for-60 (.117) with six RBI, he's five for his last 15 (.333) with seven RBI. He'll continue to provide the team with some outfield depth going forward.

Red Sox activated OF Darnell McDonald from the 15-day disabled list.

McDonald was batting .143 with with home run over his first 21 at-bats before straining his left quad in late May. He'll function as a fifth outfielder for the BoSox.

Red Sox are expected to activate OF Darnell McDonald (quad) on Tuesday.

McDonald, Boston's fifth outfielder, hit an ugly .143 with just one home run over 21 at-bats before straining his left quad in late May. Drew Sutton is expected to be optioned to Triple-A to free up a roster spot.

Darnell McDonald (quad) went 0-for-2 in a rehab game Sunday with Triple-A Pawtucket.

McDonald was placed on the disabled list during the last week of May after straining his left quadriceps muscle. He's expected to be activated later this week.

Red Sox placed OF Darnell McDonald on the 15-day disabled list with a left quad strain.

There was some speculation that J.D. Drew was headed to the disabled list with a hamstring injury, but it turns out that McDonald is the one who is hurt. The 32-year-old has mostly served as fifth outfielder this season, batting .143 with one home run over 21 at-bats.

Darnell McDonald was lifted from Monday's game due to a jammed right thumb.

The injury should not affect his ability to get ready for the start of the regular season. McDonald, 32, is batting .250/.302/.475 with two homers in 40 at-bats this spring.

Darnell McDonald underwent surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament of his right thumb Wednesday in Arizona.

McDonald said Thursday that the procedure went well and that he is already in recovery mode. The outfielder batted .276/.346/.444 with nine home runs, 32 RBI and nine stolen bases in limited action this past season and may be able to land a backup job with the Red Sox heading into 2011.

Darnell McDonald hopes to stay with the Red Sox next season.

In a season full of injuries and disappointments, the 31-year-old McDonald has been a pleasant surprise, batting .276/.346/.444 with nine home runs, 32 RBI and nine stolen bases. "I know how the game works better than anybody," said McDonald. "But they gave me a chance to play here and I like it here." McDonald was nearly designated for assignment when Jacoby Ellsbury was activated from disabled list in May, but he has made a pretty solid case to return to the Red Sox next season.

Darnell McDonald hit his ninth home run and stole his ninth base in Tuesday's night loss to the Rays.

It's taken this 31-year-old a long time to garner this many major league at-bats in one season, but his speed and defense have made him a fan favorite in his short time so far in Boston. Either his strikeout rate will have to return to his lower minor league levels, though, or his batting average will drop and make his fringey power a little less exciting.

Darnell McDonald returned to action on Tuesday August 3.

Darnell McDonald was a late scratch from Sunday's lineup due to back tightness.

It's not clear if this will sideline McDonald more than the one game. Eric Patterson has replaced McDonald in the ninth spot in the lineup and in center field.

Darnell McDonald will be the Red Sox's starting left fielder Sunday.

It's McDonald's first start since Wednesday, though he has played in games twice in the intervening period. It's a good thing the Red Sox didn't designate him for assignment like they had planned on doing. He'll bat second behind Marco Scutaro.

Red Sox designated OF Darnell McDonald for assignment.

He was cleared in order to make room for Mike Cameron, who is scheduled to return from the disabled list on Tuesday. McDonald batted .263/.320/.400 with three home runs and 12 RBI over 95 at-bats with the Red Sox and should draw plenty of interest in the next few days.

Darnell McDonald will start in center field for a second straight day on Thursday.

With another lefty in C.J. Wilson, the Red Sox lineup is nearly the same, with the notable exception of Victor Martinez, who is back in the lineup after Jason Varitek caught Josh Beckett on Wednesday.

Darnell McDonald will start in center field against the Rangers on Wednesday.

McDonald played hero on Tuesday, cracking a two-run homer and a walk-off RBI single in his first game up from the PawSox. The righty-swinging McDonald makes plenty of sense to start against the lefty Matt Harrison. Bill Hall will start in left field.

Darnell McDonald went 2-for-2 with a two-run homer and a walk-off single in the ninth to push the Red Sox to a 7-6 victory over the Rangers.

It was a whirlwind day that he will never forget. McDonald's contract was purchased from Pawtucket earlier in the day to take the roster spot of the injured Jacoby Ellsbury. Terry Francona summoned him in the eighth inning Tuesday night as a pinch-hitter for Josh Reddick in a game Boston trailed 6-4. McDonald jacked a two-run homer off Daren Oliver to tie the game. With the score still knotted in the ninth, and two runners on, McDonald lined a walk-off single to the wall against Frank Francisco to push Boston to a 7-6 win.

Red Sox purchased the contract of OF Darnell McDonald from Triple-A Pawtucket.

He'll take the place on the roster of Jacoby Ellsbury, for the next six days at least. McDonald, 31, was batting .341/.372/.683 in 41 at-bats for Pawtucket. Terry Francona could very well decide to use Josh Reddick against righties and McDonald against lefties.