BOSTON -- Over the last few years, the Red Sox have done a solid job bringing in role players who accept their duties as bench guys.

Most, if not all, have been character players who make the best of their situation on and off the field. Former Red Sox players like Alex Cora, Eric Hinske and Sean Casey played that bench role perfectly. This season it’s more of the same with Mark Kotsay and Rocco Baldelli in the mix.

Kotsay, who was acquired via trade from Atlanta last August, was Boston’s lone bright spot in a 6-3 loss to the Texas Rangers Sunday at Fenway Park.

With J.D. Drew out of the lineup with a sore shoulder the last two games, Baldelli started in right on Saturday and Kotsay got the nod yesterday. He went 2-for-3, including a solo home run and two runs scored. It was his first homer as a Red Sox.

Kotsay, 33, a first-round pick (9th overall) by the Marlins in 1996, began this season on the disabled list after having back surgery in January. As he was in the midst of his minor-league rehab, he suffered a minor setback with a calf strain and finally made his season debut last Wednesday in Detroit.

Despite his lack of playing time, he showed no signs of rust yesterday.

"It’s a nice feeling on a day when things aren’t going our way we can throw him out there, and know he’s going to play professionally," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "I know he’s not 22 anymore, but he knows how to play and he’ll give you everything he has. He’ll throw to the right base and do all the things he supposed to."

Despite his productive performance at the plate, Kotsay felt it was all for naught because the Sox lost.

"They were pretty much meaningless because we didn’t win. That’s what we’re here to do," he said. "We’re here to win baseball games and everyone on this team will tell you that regardless of the day they had."

Still, he was happy with his progress.

"I felt comfortable," he said. "I swung the bat well today. I’m only at seven at-bats [this season] so you can’t judge it from the get-go. You have to be patient, regardless if I had no hits today. I’m taking good at-bats, so I’m happy."

Kotsay played a total of 10 minor-league games for the PawSox and went 10-for-33 prior to being activated last week. He’s comfortable with his swing.

"It’s progressed fine. I feel like I got my power back and my strength back with bat speed, so hopefully I can maintain it."

There’s no question Kotsay is here for his versatility as an outfielder and first baseman. His veteran presence in the clubhouse helps, too. After Jacoby Ellsbury was removed from yesterday’s game with a right shoulder strain, Kotsay shifted to center field as Baldelli was inserted into right.

Kotsay’s presence could be important for the remainder of the season.