Alex Cora Explains Red Sox’s Opening Day Lineup Decision

Alex Cora Explains Red Sox’s Opening Day Lineup Decision initially appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The solely minor shock within the Boston Red Sox‘s Opening Day starting lineup on Thursday vs. the Cincinnati Reds was Isiah Kiner-Falefa getting the beginning at second base.

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Cora had stated throughout spring coaching that Marcelo Mayer was anticipated to function the crew’s primary second baseman however would sometimes be on the bench in opposition to left-handed pitchers.

That’s the case on Thursday, when the Red Sox face Reds 2025 All-Star southpaw Andrew Abbott.

Boston might’ve additionally began infielder Andruw Monasterio at second base, who was acquired in a February trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.

“The at-bat, we like. He’s swinging the bat well,” Cora stated of Kiner-Falefa, who went 13-for-43 throughout spring coaching, in response to MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “We can use (Monasterio) later in the game. … It’s strategy. So we’ll see how it plays out — when and where they play. But today it was (Kiner-Falefa’s turn.)”

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Although the pattern sizes are comparatively small, Monasterio went 12-for-44 with a .273/.360/.477 slash line in opposition to lefties in 2025, whereas IKF was 27-for-119 with a .227/.250/.286 triple slash vs. southpaws final season

Cora additionally mentioned his common technique relating to the Red Sox’s infield to start the marketing campaign.

“We’re good with (Monasterio at shortstop),” the supervisor stated, per Smith. “Trying to avoid moving Marcelo too, but he can play short, too. We’re going to try to stay as consistent as possible — Caleb (Durbin) at third, Trevor (Story) at short, Marcelo at second most of the time and Willson (Contreras) at first. And hopefully defense is more consistent that way.”

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