Moncada could help Red Sox playoff push

Yoan Moncada was named the MVP of the Futures Game at San Diego’s PetCo Park during All-Star Game festivities a couple of weeks ago.

But for Moncada, the future could be now. Or very soon.

There is a distinct chance that Moncada could follow the path taken by Jacoby Ellsbury in 2007 and Xander Bogaerts in 2013 and make the jump from Double-A to Fenway (with perhaps a brief stop at Pawtucket in between) and help the Red Sox in their playoff push.

There’s not much more Moncada needs to prove at the minor-league level. After his first career twohomer game on Monday, the second base prospect is hitting .309 between high-A Salem and DoubleA Portland with 11 homers, 54 RBIs and 43 steals in 83 games. Moncada, who just turned 21 in May, is hitting .344 in his last 10 games with the Sea Dogs with four home runs.

Of course, Moncada’s path to Boston is currently blocked by a little guy named Dustin Pedroia. No one is suggesting that he supplant Pedroia as the Red Sox starting second baseman this season. But, at the very least, Moncada could serve well as a September call-up, spelling Pedroia on days off, maybe giving David Ortiz a day of or two as DH, and providing speed off the bench.

And that latter role could be even more significant come the postseason, where teams (especially the Red Sox) often covet a speed merchant pinch-runner for key situations.

Or does the name Dave Roberts ring a bell?