The Boston Red Sox are set to face several left-handed pitchers this weekend at Fenway Park against the New York Yankees — a stretch that will likely keep top prospects Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer out of the lineup.
Manager Alex Cora has consistently avoided putting rookie left-handed hitters in left-on-left matchups, frequently platooning players like Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Mayer, and now likely Anthony. Cora was asked about this strategy again on Wednesday and responded with some visible irritation.
“I don’t know, maybe (the rookies will play) Friday, maybe Saturday, maybe Sunday,” Cora told NESN. “Let’s wait until the lefty is announced, then when the lineup’s out, you can ask me again.
“We’ve got some strong right-handed hitters. If we don’t play Romy (González) or Rob Refsnyder, is that helping us win? I understand the argument — yes, the rookies are talented hitters — but those two veterans are very good at what they do. Our goal is to win games.”
Cora’s frustration is understandable, given his past success with this method. The Red Sox prefer easing rookies into action against lefties due to the significant leap in competition from the minors to the majors.
Last weekend’s series in New York supports his point: González, Refsnyder, and Mayer played key roles in two wins as part of that platoon strategy, with others adjusting positions to make it work.
“We can’t carry 13 position players and expect to play everyone every day,” Cora said. “I know people get frustrated. So do I. But I’ve handled it this way since 2018. Devers was part of a platoon that year — and now look at him.”
While Anthony and Mayer are viewed as future stars and could see fewer platoon restrictions over time, current data supports Cora’s cautious, winning-focused approach — even if it doesn’t thrill the fans.
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