Time may have run out on Duran’s chances of roster spot
BRADENTON, Fla. — Is Jarren Duran on the clock, or did time already run out on his case for a spot on the Red Sox’ Opening Day roster?
Duran has rejoined the Red Sox after spending the prior two weeks playing for Team Mexico in the WBC, an experience he described as incredible, with noise and energy that surpassed even what he encountered while traveling with the Sox in the 2021 postseason.
Duran played sparingly in the tournament, going 0 for 5 with two strikeouts and two stolen bases. Upon returning to camp, Duran acknowledged trying to hit the ground at a sprint with just days left before the Sox make roster decisions.
The Sox had been excited about Duran’s swing and all-fields offensive approach prior to his departure for the WBC, and were hoping that he’d be able to build upon that now that he’ll get regular at-bats in the rest of camp.
“He’s a good player,” said manager Alex Cora. “The situation, going to a tournament, not playing, we don’t control that … I know we’re proud of him. He went over there for a reason. He enjoyed it, but now it’s about coming here and just playing the game.”
Duran went 1 for 4 with a single and strikeout on Thursday against the Pirates. He said he wouldn’t get caught up in whether he had enough time to make a convincing case to open the
year in the big leagues.
“I just feel like it would add more stress to me trying to think about, ‘Oh, am I going to make it?’ ” said Duran. “The only thing I really can do is go out and play, because at the end of the day, they’re going to make a decision. I don’t have any say in it. All I can do is play.”
Cutting his teeth: Kutter Crawford threw six innings in a Triple A game against the Twins, allowing two runs while striking out six and walking one. Cora said the righthander, who went 3-6 with a 5.47 ERA in 77-plus big league innings last year, will be in the
rotation to start the year, pitching the fourth game of the season.
Crawford’s rotation spot may prove temporary,asgarrettwhitlockcouldbe available by the second turn, with Brayan Bello potentially close behind him.
“There’s people that are going to get healthy, and then we have to make decisions,” said Cora. “We feel like these are the best matchups that we have for now.”
Josh Winckowski, who has a 1.29 ERA this spring after allowing two runs over four innings on Thursday, will open the year as a multi-innings reliever.