The Boston Red Sox outfield has been a hot topic all season. They have four outfielders capable of playing every day, but one of them could earn more playing time in the infield.
Ceddanne Rafaela has played shortstop, second base, third base, right field and center field in his 300 MLB games. With Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu on the roster as well, Alex Cora has relied on a rotation and used matchups to get his four outfielders in the game. However, Rafaela could be an upgrade at second base.
Kristian Campbell figures to be the team's future at second base after signing an extension earlier this year. He was sent back to Triple-A after some struggles. Romy Gonzalez and David Hamilton have been used at second base in the meantime. Gonzalez has also seen time at first base, and is actually playing fine at the plate.
Rafaela could be an upgrade over Hamilton on days he is playing second base. Cora spoke on the team's plans to play Rafaela in the infield, but it does not seem like a change was imminent.
"There are conversations," Cora said, per MassLive's Christopher Smith. "We haven't decided if we're going to do that."
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
The Red Sox could find more opportunities for Rafaela in the infield with Masataka Yoshida's return. Yoshida also figures to see time in the outfield, so if Cora wants to keep all his young outfielders getting consistent at-bats, Rafaela may have to play some second base. He is slashing 264/.309/.465, which is much better than Hamilton.
More MLB: Yankees' Aaron Boone announces third base plan after shocking DJ LeMahieu DFA