The Boston Red Sox are getting Alex Bregman back this weekend. He is in the lineup on Friday night and will play one more game this weekend.
His return means that Marcelo Mayer can no longer be the primary third baseman. Mayer was primarily a shortstop in the minor leagues, but Trevor Story has that spot in the big leagues. Story has been playing much better as of late, so removing him is not a real option. However, the Red Sox optioned David Hamilton, and Alex Cora announced that Mayer will play "a lot" of second base moving forward, according to the Boston Globe's Tim Healey.
Cora also noted that Ceddanne Rafaela will figure into the second base plan as Mayer will play third base on days Bregman is not active. He revealed that Bregman will play in just two out of three games for the next three series.
"He's a big part of what we're trying to accomplish now and in the future," Cora said of Mayer, per MassLive's Christopher Smith. "He's a good defender. Offensively, there's upside. He can also play third. Alex (Bregman) will play two out of three this weekend, two out of three in Chicago, two out of three in Philadelphia and we see Marcelo playing third base when Alex is not starting."
Rafaela has been playing great recently. In the last 14 days, he has a .822 OPS, and on the season, he is slashing .268/.312/.467. He has played fine against both lefties and righties, but Mayer has struggled greatly against southpaws. Rafaela has already played some second base in his career, but was working out there before today's game.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
Rafaela playing second base would give Cora another way to get all of his bats in the lineup. Rafaela, Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu have been sharing the outfield, and with Rafaela at second base, Duran would play in center field, Anthony in left field and Abreu in right field. On days Bregman is not playing, the Red Sox would have Mayer, Rafaela, Duran, Anthony and Abreu all in the lineup together.
More MLB: Yankees make Anthony Volpe decision following DJ LeMahieu release