Mookie is going back to the farm and it just might be the best scenario for him.

With Kelly Johnson returning from the 15-day disabled list, the Boston Red Sox optioned phenom Betts back to Pawtucket to make room for the veteran they just acquired from the New York Yankees.

Betts was called back up to Boston after the trade deadline since Jonny Gomes was dealt and Yoenis Cespedes hadn’t arrived yet. After playing in a few games, Betts was back on the bench.

In 13 games, Betts hit .244 with a home run and 2 RBI and showed signs of his defensive prowess with a few amazing catches. It’s pretty clear that the 21-year-old has a bright future for the Red Sox.

While those numbers are good enough to give Betts some more playing time with the big club, it’s probably best for him to continue to get more reps in the minor leagues. In the 19 games Betts was with the Red Sox, he only started in 11 of them.

Betts isn’t going to develop with limited at-bats in Boston. His stint was long enough to get his feet wet in the majors, but now it’s time for him to go back and continue getting at-bats so that he can develop more quickly.

Besides, the Pawtucket Red Sox are in a playoff hunt and it would be nice for Betts to get some pressure at-bats in Triple-A.

There’s no doubt that Betts will get another call-up once September rolls around. The Red Sox will likely have nothing to play for and Betts could get more reps against big league pitching.

It’ll be like an extended spring training for the rookie, who the Red Sox hope will provide an impact (or act as trade bait) for the Red Sox going forward.