The Red Sox filled their need for a reserve outfielder who can play center field by activating Jonathan Van Every from the 15-day disabled list today.

Van Every, who had been on the disabled list since April 4 (retroactive to March 27) with a right ankle sprain, takes the roster spot of Chris Carter, who was optioned to Pawtucket yesterday.

With Rocco Baldelli going on the disabled list with a strained hamstring earlier this week, the Sox were short a capable defensive backup to starting center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

Van Every, a lefthanded hitter, made his major league debut over three stints with the Red Sox last season, batting .235 with five RBIs in 11 games. He spent most of the 2008 season with Pawtucket, posting a .263 average, 26 homers, and 70 RBIs in 119 games.

He was originally signed by the Red Sox as a free agent on Dec. 1, 2007 after spending the first seven years of his professional career in the Indians' minor system.

Van Every went 2 for 6 with a two-out, game-tying, ninth-inning grand slam in his lone rehab appearance, a start at center field in Pawtucket’s 8-7 win over Rochester Wednesday.

He will wear No. 30.