William Bennett: Everything you need to know

Bennett is the top candidate to replace Brayan Bello in Boston's starting rotation, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. Bello was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, and Boston will need to fill his spot next Tuesday against Tampa Bay. Bennett is the most logical option, given that he's made a couple of starts for Boston already this season. He last pitched Tuesday for the WooSox and will be on extra rest against the Rays.

Bennett was optioned to Triple-A Worcester after Thursday's 8-4 loss to Tampa Bay, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. Bennett made his second career major-league start at home versus the Rays, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out one batter over 5.1 innings. The southpaw has combined to pitch 10.1 innings while surrendering four runs in two outings with Boston, and he'll likely get another shot with the major-league roster down the road this season.

Bennett is slated to start Thursday's game against the Rays at Fenway Park, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. The Red Sox welcomed Sonny Gray (hamstring) from the injured list Wednesday, but Bennett will wind up sticking around in the big-league rotation for another turn while the status of Ranger Suarez (hamstring) remains in the flux. Boston is still leaving the door open for Suarez to start either of the final two games of the series versus the Rays, and if that comes to pass, Bennett could be headed back to Triple-A Worcester following Thursday's outing. The 25-year-old lefty turned in a strong performance in his MLB debut last Friday, striking out three while limiting the Astros to one run on five hits and two walks over five innings en route to picking up a win.