Duran, Abreu key complete outfield turnaround
ATLANTA — Ceddanne rafaela’s outfield play to start the season was something the Red Sox hadn’t seen since the days of Jackie bradley Jr., Mookie betts, and Andrew benintendi. much like trevor story at shortstop, Rafaela provided the outfield with stability. However, once Story went down with a season-ending shoulder injury, the errors began to pile up in the infield and the Sox had no choice but to put Rafaela at shortstop — the position he played when the Sox signed him in 2017.
That, of course, created instability in the outfield. tyler o’neill is a twotime gold glover, but the Sox have to manage his innings. While Jarren duran had improved as a center fielder, the Sox thought he might be better in left. Wilyer Abreu , in his first full season in the big leagues, didn’t have much experience in right field at fenway — the hardest right field in baseball because of its dimensions.
both Duran and Abreu responded to the challenge and then some. Heading into Tuesday’s series opener against the braves at Truist Park, the Sox were tied with the Tigers for the major-league lead in defensive runs saved in the outfield with 10.
In 308 innings, Duran led all outfielders with nine defensive runs saved.
“We’ve come a long way from the Kansas City game,” said manager Alex Cora, referencing the August 2022 Sunday in which Duran made multiple misplays in center. “And now he’s the [best defender], metrics wise, in the big leagues. You know, he worked hard during the offseason last year with [outfield/third base coach] kyle Hudson. They have a great relationship. Jarren, in left field and center field, has been good.”
Abreu, meanwhile, is tied with the Dodgers’ teoscar Hernández for the most defensive runs saved (five) in right.
“I think we were doing very well as a group,” Abreu said through a team interpreter. “We are trying to make the best decisions when it comes to throwing to the right bases and making good decisions in the outfield.”
“Right now, the numbers speak for themselves. He’s the best defender in right field,” added Cora.
Abreu, who always welcomed the challenge of right field at fenway, is learning all its nuances. He said quick decisions and quick reads are a necessity. Otherwise, you run the risk of the ball sailing overhead for extra bases.
“You have to have a quick first step to make sure you cover the ground,” noted Abreu, be it coming in on the ball or going back.
It’s all part of a huge defensive leap for the team, one made largely without its star defender.
Getting close
The Red Sox rotation is finally coming back into focus. nick Pivetta will be reinstated from the injured list Wednesday to start the series finale against the braves, with reliever naoyuki Uwasawa optioned to Triple A Worcester to make room. brayan bello pitched 2„ innings in a rehab outing Tuesday for Double A Portland, and is scheduled to take the ball Sunday against the Nationals at fenway. Garrett Whitlock tossed a bullpen Tuesday at Truist Park, with plans for a live batting practice friday. “It’s good,” said Cora on his pitchers getting healthy. “I do believe giving us more than a bullpen game is always good. maybe we just [start them for] five innings in the beginning and then we stretch them out, but obviously, we are in a part of our schedule this week where we should be OK.” The Sox have their second off day this week Thursday, giving starters more time to recover before a run of 13 games in as many days . . . Zack short was designated for assignment following the
4-2 loss. Infielder romy Gonzalez (wrist) is with the club in Atlanta and will be reinstated from the injured list Wednesday.