The Red Sox will deploy the red-hot Mickey Gasper in a role he hasn't been in since rejoining the big league club.

Gasper’s recent 16-game run at the plate have few precedents in Sox history, and stands as a testament to his extraordinary level of perseverance.

The Boston Red Sox have found themselves a weapon in Mickey Gasper, to say the least.

Gasper was just sent back to Triple-A on Sunday with Roman Anthony off the injured list, but he’s eligible to return to Boston because Willson Contreras (hamstring) is now going on the IL. Gasper. He’s starting at first base and batting second on Monday against the Mariners.

Red Sox' Mickey Gasper was left in disbelief over Wade Boggs shouting him out on social media. "Get out of here!"

This week's Sliders also include a former ballplayer turned world-renowned sculptor and more timely and timeless elements of baseball.

Red Sox optioned C/INF Mickey Gasper to Triple-A Worcester. With Roman Anthony and Trevor Story rejoining the roster on Sunday, the Red Sox were forced to make some tough decisions on their bench and Gasper wound up on the outside looking in.

The rivals have been connected in a lot of different ways throughout the history of baseball, and this is one of the most unlikely.