During the 2011 season, the absence of depth at different positions in the Red Sox organization was exposed. One of those was the absence of major league-ready right-handed outfielders in the upper levels of the minors.

The issue became significant for part of last summer, when both Mike Cameron and Darnell McDonald offered virtually no production through the end of June. The issue became less pronounced down the stretch, as McDonald hit .324/.402/.577 against left-handers after July 1, but it was enough of a concern that the Sox did make a late-season deal with the A’s to acquire Conor Jackson.

That might not have been necessary had Juan Carlos Linares been healthy. The 26-year-old (he turned 27 in September), a defector from Cuba who signed for $750,000 last summer, had impressed both in 2010 in the Arizona Fall League and again in Red Sox spring training camp this year. He showed an ability to barrel fastballs consistently and drive them, while also demonstrating an ability to play all three outfield positions.

Linares likely would have been in line for a call-up around the time that Mike Cameron was designated for assignment and subsequently traded to the Marlins. However, he played just 17 games (hitting .233 with a .281 OBP and .500 slugging mark, three homers and nine extra-base hits) before his season came to a crashing halt on May 2, when he tore ligaments in his ankle on a slide into second base. He had to undergo surgery that wiped out what was supposed to be his first full professional season.

However, Linares spent the year rehabbing and was able to participate in the Florida Instructional League. Though he is still working his way back into shape (a common issue after dealing with a lower body injury that impairs cardio activity), Linares appeared to move well in the outfield and, though he was playing against much younger competition, he also impressed at the plate.

“No surprise, he raked,” said Red Sox vice president of player development and amateur scouting Mike Hazen.

Now, Linares has been added to the roster of the Scottsdale Scorpions as a member of the taxi squad who will be able to play a couple times a week. While Linares — who has played just 34 minor league games since signing with the Sox in the middle of the 2010 season — will almost certainly need at least some time in Triple-A, if he is completely healthy and appears not to have been impacted too significantly by his layoff, he could represent an important player as the Sox construct their roster this offseason.

If he looks like a player capable of being a very good fourth outfielder or even someone who could platoon with a left-handed outfielder (such as Josh Reddick or Ryan Kalish), he would represent a significant depth option behind Darnell McDonald. However, if he still remains hindered by the recovery from his injury (and it remains to be seen whether he has lost speed something that might limit his outfield versatility), the Sox may be forced to move more aggressively to find right-handed outfield options this offseason.