Red Sox’s Alex Cora Hints At Impactful Opening Day Roster Move

The Red Sox have too many lineup options as they approach Opening Day.

Yes, it’s a first-world problem, but a problem nevertheless.

Boston made it a priority to build lineup depth this offseason, looking to adequately protect against injuries after having them derail large portions of the last several seasons. Alex Bregman, Kristian Campbell, Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer are newcomers who will make major contributions this season, but that means some will be left out as preparations begin for the season opener on March 27 against the Texas Rangers.

Masataka Yoshida, specifically.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora essentially admitted as much when speaking with reporters on Saturday. Yoshida, despite having been hitting in games all month, is in consideration to begin the season on the injured list, according to Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald.

Story continues below advertisement

Yoshida is still on a throwing program after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, which means he can’t contribute in the outfield. The Red Sox have used him as a designated hitter this spring, but due to the emergence of those names we mentioned earlier, there likely won’t be many at-bats at that spot during the regular season.

Bregman is expected to take over at third base, which leaves the second base job open for someone like Campbell, David Hamilton or Vaughn Grissom to start at second base. Rafael Devers, the previous primary third baseman, now looks as though he’s changed his stance and will transition to a full-time designated hitter role.

Trevor Story and Triston Casas will fill out the other infield spots, while Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refsnyder and perhaps even Anthony will be relied upon to round out the outfield group early in the season.

Yoshida just isn’t in a good spot relative to Boston, which is why we might not see him in a meaningful game for a while.

Story continues below advertisement

Related Posts

Aaron Judge ties Alex Rodriguez’s mark with home run vs. Braves

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge tied one of the franchise’s all-time greats in home runs on Sunday. Judge has 351 career homers.

MLB rumors: Ken Rosenthal drops truth bomb on Cubs, Red Sox’s trade deadline plans

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal provides more insight into how active the Cubs and Red Sox will be ahead of the trade deadline.

Breаkіng: Red Sox Mаke Funky Lіneuр Choіce Tryіng To Snар Recent Skіd

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora did some lineup tinkering on Sunday, which has one of his hottest hitters in uncharted waters.

TRADE BREAKING: Red Sox іnk toр 2025 drаft ріck to $5 mіllіon contrаct

The Boston Red Sox have signed their 2025 first round draft pick Kyson Witherspoon to his rookie contract.

Deadspin | White Sox go for elusive series sweep in Pittsburgh

Deadspin | White Sox go for elusive series sweep in Pittsburgh

MLB rumorѕ: Ken Roѕenthаl droрѕ truth bomb on Cubѕ, Red Sox’ѕ trаde deаdlіne рlаnѕ

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal provides more insight into how active the Cubs and Red Sox will be ahead of the trade deadline.