ARLINGTON, Texas –– There was interesting tidbit in the Red Sox game notes for Saturday night. While it may have been eye-popping to some, the club probably is not thrilled with the number of transactions management has had to make this season, especially recently.

Boston has made seven roster moves in the last 11 days, and 10 in the last 16. A total of 46 different players have appeared in games for the Red Sox this season, which is one shy of last year’s total of 47. On the mound, 22 pitchers have been used, also one shy of last year’s mark, 23.

So much for the roster balance manager Terry Francona was hoping for.

On Saturday, the club added shortstop Alex Gonzalez, recalled outfielder Brian Anderson from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned rookie outfielder Josh Reddick to the PawSox. Both Gonzalez and Anderson were in the starting lineup against the Rangers. Also, the club designated infielder Chris Woodward for assignment.

It is hoped that the addition of Gonzalez, who was acquired from the Reds in a trade for minor-league infielder Kris Negron on Friday, will give the Sox stability at shortstop for the remainder of the season.

Anderson can play all three outfield positions, and Francona believes he can contribute with his bat.

“He’s very athletic, and I know his first time in the big leagues as an everyday guy didn’t go the way he wanted to, which happens. Against left-handers he can do some damage,” said Francona.

While trying on his new No. 32 Red Sox uniform, Anderson acknowledged that he has struggled offensively, but said he prides himself on his defense. When Francona spoke with Ron Johnson the other day, the PawSox manager gave Anderson a very big accolade.

“RJ always thought [Jonathan] Van Every was the best he’s ever seen,” said Francona. “Yesterday he told me, ’I never thought I’d tell you this, but this guy is every bit as good as Van Every, which is RJ’s way of giving this kid a big compliment.”

Anderson hit .259 with four homers and seven RBI for the PawSox after being acquired from the White Sox on July 28 in exchange for Mark Kotsay. Anderson appeared in 65 games for Chicago earlier this season and batted .238 with two homers and 13 RBI. He owns a career .225 average with 20 homers and 75 RBI in 334 big-league games since making his debut with the White Sox in 2005.

Anderson’s goals in Boston are simple: “Anything I can do to help them get back to where they want to be is my main goal. Obviously, on a personal level I want to do well, but I think they brought me here to maybe put them over the edge and help them get to the postseason.”

With Anderson recalled, the Sox optioned Reddick to Pawtucket, where the Red Sox feel he will be able to get more playing time.

“I thought Reddick did a great job,” said Francona. “His batting average wasn’t good, but that happens when guys only have 20 at-bats.”

Francona said he spoke with Reddick on Saturday morning. The rookie said he was worried about his batting average and the first impression he’s made at the big-league level this season.

“Maybe we take for granted and we’re stuck in the middle of the dogs days of the year and we’re trying to win every game, we forget a guy is really young and nervous and thinking about a lot of things,” said Francona. “I think the experience was great for him. I also think he helped us win some games, and now he can go back and play for the next three weeks, which will be good for him, too.”

Reddick, 22, hit .188 with one homer and two RBI in nine games for the Sox.

With Anderson in the mix, Francona said he will speak with GM Theo Epstein about how the team will proceed once backup outfielder Rocco Baldelli comes off the disabled list on Friday. It’s possible the Rhode Island native could be sent to Pawtucket for a rehab assignment in order to get some at-bats.

It’s mid-August, and already the Red Sox have made more roster moves this season than they would like. It’s really not conducive for sustained success.

jmcdonal@projo.com