Adam Duvall is set to rejoin the Boston Red Sox 40-man roster as early as June 9. The outfielder has been on the 60-day IL since fracturing his wrist nearly two months ago against the Detroit Tigers. What does his return mean for the Red Sox and, more importantly, players who have been productive in his absence? Whether Boston has the same circled for Duvall or not, he has a shot of returning at the date.
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Adam Duvall’s Role with the Red Sox
The Outfield Scenario
Before being injured, Duvall was hitting .455 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in 33 plate appearances. Since he was out with the injury, other players have had to step up in his absence. One is Jarren Duran, who got called up from Triple-A Worcester. The 26-year-old was hitting above .300 before he got the promotion. Another player is Raimel Tapia, who’s also been seeing the ball well as of late and has been starting primarily in the right field. As for Alex Verdugo, he continues to have the best statistical year of his major league career. Rob Refsnyder is a platoon guy who has been a clutch hitter when he is in the lineup. Masataka Yoshida is also heating up as of late. He’s hitting for average and controlling the strike zone.
Adam Duvall begins his rehab assignment with the WooSox tonight. pic.twitter.com/z0NEk0gK7d
— Chris Henrique (@ChrisHenrique) May 30, 2023
First Base
It may differ from the outfield, where the Red Sox have an odd man out; it could be first base. While Duvall has played first base before in his career, it differs from what the Red Sox had in mind when they signed him. Duvall’s signing was considered a “platoon man for the outfield” signing. If Duvall swings a hot bat upon his return, not playing him somewhere in the lineup will be tough. Despite batting an extremely disappointing .193, Triston Casas has been deemed the Red Sox first baseman of the future. Though one would think that should signal Alex Cora to demote Casas, that is not how the Red Sox work. Additionally, Justin Turner has recently seen his batting average increase to a respectable .263. Turner has seen time at first base this season.
Designated Hitter
Duvall would fit in nicely in this role. From a safety standpoint, the Red Sox likely values Duvall’s bat more than his fielding. Where things get muddled up is the Red Sox having Christian Arroyo returning from injury soon. Yu Chang has also been rehabbing in the minors, though he was recently pulled from a rehab assignment due to soreness. Then, there’s Enmanuel Valdez. How about newly acquired Pablo Reyes, who is batting .273? Those questions will likely be answered upon Chang and Arroyo’s pressing returns.
Trade for Pitching
It is an adage that pitching wins championships. The August 1st trade deadline is two months away. With talent at both the Triple-A level and the players mentioned above, trades may be made in the name of pitching—a myriad of pitching skills available at the trade deadline. A trade for pitching may be a move the Red Sox have to make to make the playoffs this season. Names that could be on the open include Corbin Burnes.
Takeaway
The drivel Adam Duvall’s return could cause is predicated on hitting the way he was before fracturing his wrist. If Duvall returns and is ice cold at the plate, the decision to play him here and there becomes more accessible. Suppose he continues on a tear upon his return. In that case, the Sox needs to consider where the team needs improvement, which will likely be in the pitching department. Should that be the case, the Sox must be willing to part with role players like Reyes or Tapia, whose playing time could significantly decrease. They also have two players in Triple-A, Bobby Dalbec and Ryan Fitzgerald, who are having great seasons and deserve chances to play at the major league level. How Adam Duvall’s return in eight short days will affect the Sox and all 13 players mentioned will be interesting to see.
Photo Credit:
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Adam Duvall, Jarren Duran, Raimel Tapia, Alex Verdugo, Rob Refsnyder, Masataka Yoshida, Triston Casas, Alex Cora, Justin Turner, Christian Arroyo, Yu Chang, Enmanuel Valdez, Pablo Reyes, Corbin Burnes, Bobby Dalbec, Ryan Fitzgerald
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