Report: Red Sox have inquired about Kinsler

Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski may look to his old club in hopes of landing some help for a struggling offense.

The Red Sox are among the teams that have inquired about Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Dombrowski was mulling outside-the-box solutions for help at third base, and Kinsler would certainly fit that thinking. The four-time All-Star has appeared at second base in all but one game in his 12-year career, and is coming off a Gold Glove-winning season at the position.

With Dustin Pedroia cemented at second in Boston for the foreseeable future, not only would Kinsler have to be open to moving across the diamond, but the Red Sox would also have to be comfortable playing Kinsler at third base despite him manning the position for only two innings at the major-league level, in 2012.

Defensive issues aside, what Kinsler could offer with the bat would give the Red Sox a much needed boost. Though his numbers are down this season, the 35-year-old is still hitting .241/.325/.394 with nine home runs, 15 doubles, and seven stolen bases in 79 games.

Kinsler, who has a limited no-trade clause, comes with a $12-million team option ($5-million buyout) for next season.

Boston's offense ranks 25th in the majors in OPS during July, while its third basemen rank 29th in OPS on the season.