Red Sox place struggling Sandoval on DL with ear infection

Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval is heading to the disabled list for a second time this season.

The club placed the struggling switch-hitter on the 10-day DL with an inner ear infection Tuesday, and recalled defensive stalwart Deven Marrero.

Sandoval has been a burden for the Red Sox all season long as manager John Farrell continues to try to find room on the roster for the former World Series MVP.

Over the last seven games, Sandoval has started in just three. He was pinch hit for during the eighth inning Monday night and replaced at third base by catcher Christian Vazquez, who hadn't appeared at the hot corner since 2009 in rookie ball.

Sandoval spent a lengthy stint on the DL earlier this season with a knee injury, and is hitting .212/.269/.354 with four home runs, two doubles, and 24 strikeouts in 32 games. He's under contract through the 2019 season, and is still owed more than $45 million.

Farrell has praised Marrero's defensive work this season, and believes the 26-year-old's glove justifies his place in the lineup, even though he's hitting .157/.195/.301 with three homers and 27 strikeouts in 33 MLB games this season.