PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — When the Crimson Sox acquired Willson Contreras this previous December, they did so with the expectation that he’ll begin at first base just about day by day.
However on the times the place Contreras isn’t out there, the membership could possibly be in a little bit of a bind.
With Romy Gonzalez and Triston Casas each working their method again from accidents and unlikely to be prepared for Opening Day, the Crimson Sox wouldn’t have an apparent backup first base candidate.
Recognizing that, supervisor Alex Cora expects to offer a number of others a shot within the coming weeks to see who acclimates themselves greatest.
“I believe the place we’re at proper now with Romy and Casas, they’re behind, so now we have to try who can do this and simply be prepared for the opening sequence,” Cora stated.
The primary man up seems to be Nick Sogard, who has performed 13 of his 69 profession MLB video games at first however solely 9 video games throughout six seasons within the minors. Sogard subbed in for Contreras in every of Boston’s first two Grapefruit League video games and bought the beginning at first Monday in Port Charlotte.
“He’s a great baseball participant. He’s versatile, offensively he retains getting higher, for those who have a look at his numbers in Triple-A he was in a position to management the strike zone,” Cora stated, including that Sogard did a great job placing on muscle within the offseason. “He’s actually good and as you’ll be able to see in our roster, there’s not too many guys with expertise at first base.”
Along with Sogard, Cora additionally recognized Andruw Monasterio and Isiah Kiner-Falefa as guys who may doubtlessly issue into the primary base equation. Monasterio has appeared in 20 MLB video games at first, and Kiner-Falefa has by no means performed first base regardless of showing at each different place — together with pitcher and catcher — throughout his eight-year profession.
Damage updates
Along with Gonzalez, Cora supplied two extra harm updates. Left-hander Tyler Samaniego was shut down final week with a decent again however is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Tuesday. Cora stated his harm is “nothing critical.” Proper-hander Hobie Harris, a non-roster invitee, has additionally been shut down with forearm soreness.
