BOSTON – The Boston Red Sox called up outfielder Rusney Castillo in hopes of jump-starting their struggling offense.

He is playing right field and batting eighth in Friday night’s game against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park.

Boston signed Castillo, 27, to a $72.5 million contract last August. He joined the Portland Sea Dogs at the end of the season and eventually joined the major league team.

Castillo got a late start in spring training because of an oblique injury. He began the year at Triple-A Pawtucket. He missed more time with nagging injuries. In 18 games, he was batting .293/.781 OPS.

The Red Sox (19-22) need some offensive punch. They are 7-12 in May, having scored two runs or fewer 13 times this month.