Red Sox Infielder Candidly Confronts Early-Season Challenges
Caleb Durbin, the Red Sox infielder acquired this offseason, admitted he has stumbled early. He spoke candidly about his early-season challenges after four games.
Slow start at the plate
Durbin began the year without a hit in his first 14 at-bats. He went 0-for-12 in the opener series against Cincinnati. He then had two more hitless chances against Houston.
In the seventh inning against the Astros, Masataka Yoshida pinch-hit for Durbin. Yoshida struck out in what became a late rally attempt. Boston trailed 5-0 when Wilyer Abreu delivered a two-out RBI double.
What the team expected
Boston picked up Durbin from Milwaukee after Alex Bregman left for the Chicago Cubs in January. The club also made a high-profile pitching addition, signing Ranger Suárez to a five-year, $130 million deal.
Durbin had a full season with the Brewers last year. He posted a .256/.334/.387 line with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs across 136 games.
Manager and front office stance
Manager Alex Cora named Durbin the spring training starter. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow facilitated the move to add him.
With limited results so far, Boston has internal options. Marcelo Mayer could move to third base. The club could also use utility veteran Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Durbin’s approach and outlook
Durbin said he is focused on adjustments and on each at-bat. He emphasized he is not panicking and called it an early-season phase.
He remains confident his timing will return. A few hits could shift momentum, but the club will monitor results closely.
Reporting by Scott Roche, Filmogaz.com.
