In the lead-up to the Boston Red Sox’s first spring training game, manager Alex Cora announced his initial lineup, featuring several of the team’s top prospects. However, the exclusion of three prominent Red Sox stars from this lineup has sparked varied reactions among fans.
Lineup Highlights:
- Roman Anthony: The highly anticipated prospect was slated to play left field and bat leadoff. However, he was scratched from the lineup due to right elbow soreness after being hit by a pitch the previous day. Manager Cora described the move as precautionary, with Anthony potentially returning after missing the spring training exhibition opener against Northeastern.
- Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer: Both were included in the lineup, with Campbell at second base and Mayer at shortstop, showcasing the team’s commitment to integrating young talent into the spring training roster.
Exclusions of Top Stars:
The decision to exclude established stars from the initial lineup has generated mixed reactions:
- Triston Casas: The first baseman expressed his preference for Rafael Devers to remain at third base following the signing of Alex Bregman, suggesting that Bregman should start at second base. Casas also indicated that he didn’t believe any of the organization’s top three prospects—Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer—should be on the Opening Day roster, citing the presence of veterans who should secure each spot.
- Fan Reactions: Fans have taken to social media platforms to discuss the lineup decisions. Some express disappointment over the exclusion of key players, while others understand the strategic approach to evaluate younger talent during spring training.
Manager’s Perspective:
Manager Alex Cora has emphasized the importance of evaluating all players during spring training to determine the best roster composition for the upcoming season. He has also addressed comments from players like Triston Casas, clarifying that while player preferences are considered, final roster decisions are made by the coaching staff and front office.
As spring training progresses, fans can anticipate further lineup adjustments and evaluations, with the goal of finalizing a roster that balances experienced veterans with emerging talent.
For a detailed overview of the Red Sox’s first spring training game lineup, you can watch the following video: