The Boston Red Sox have fallen to a losing record after being swept by the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.
Their on-field issues might come as a surprise when you consider that Garrett Crochet has pitched like a legitimate ace, Alex Bregman has looked as good as ever and rookie Kristian Campbell has adjusted immediately to the big leagues. But some other players have taken a significant step back to start the season.
After slashing .285/.342/.492 and leading the majors in doubles and triples during an All-Star campaign last season, Jarren Duran has struggled this season. His slash line is down to just .253/.298/.376 with 46 strikeouts and 49 hits. He’s logging a 0.0 WAR.
The Red Sox have stuck with Duran in the leadoff spot despite his dipping on-base percentage, and manager Alex Cora responded to a question about whether he’d make a move there, per Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe.
“Jarren Durain entered (Wednesday's Tigers) game with a .300 on-base percentage and no walks since April 30,” Abraham wrote. “But Cora said there were no plans to take him out of the leadoff spot.”
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As the Red Sox fall below .500 following a blockbuster offseason and with significant pressure to return to the playoffs, it could be time for Cora to change his thinking on such a move. Bregman leads the team in total hits, with a .392 on-base percentage, and could deserve a long-term look at leadoff soon.
The team will face reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves on Friday and could certainly use a win.
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