Jarren Duran’s second prolonged look as an on a regular basis main leaguer had its moments, however was general inconsistent. Still, the Red Sox really feel just like the outfielder set a strong basis for the longer term.
As Trevor Story returned from the injured record Saturday after a 38-game absence, the Red Sox despatched Duran again to Triple-A after an adventurous two-and-a-half months within the majors. With Story and Kiké Hernandez again, Duran was the odd man out and the Red Sox most popular he proceed his improvement in Worcester than sit the bench in Boston.
“He needs to play,” Red Sox supervisor Alex Cora mentioned. “He needs to go down to play.”
Duran has lots to work on. He rated because the worst defensive heart fielder within the majors this season – posting minus-9 defensive runs saved in 408 1/3 innings – as the previous infielder continues to study the place, although the Sox have seen enhancements. And he has main enhancements to make on the plate, the place he began sturdy however fell again to earth over his final 38 video games, batting .155 with a .491 OPS.
“There’s a few things he needs to do better offensively,” Cora mentioned. “I believe he understands that. Defensively, his jumps have been so much higher. Decision-making was OK, however no less than we achieved one thing that we needed to going into spring coaching. Right now, so far as the jumps and routes, we really feel very comfy with him.
“But offensively, he knows it. We talked a little bit (Friday). He did a few things bunting-wise while he was here. That should be a part of his game. Just keep going. He’s a part of this, and at one point, he’s going to be back and we believe he’s going to contribute.”
Barring one other harm on the main league roster, evidently Duran will spend the remainder of the season within the minors. But the Red Sox nonetheless view the speedy outfielder – who turns 26 in September – as part of their future. Even as he continues to expertise rising pains offensively, Cora sees Duran’s expertise translating if he continues to develop the appropriate method.
“On-base percentage guy that can steal 30 bats at this level,” Cora mentioned. “He can hit for energy, however it’s not who he’s. … I don’t envision him hitting 30 residence runs on the large league degree. I envision him stealing 30 baggage at this degree, and that’s so much. People don’t run anymore. That’s the participant we envision and he is aware of it.
“To do that, the on-base skills have to be better. Control the strike zone, work counts, go the other way. We’re not taking away go for do damage in the zone, but there are certain at-bats that … he can go the other way. We know that. He’s done it in the past. He did it a few times here. I’m excited about it.”
Story lastly makes return
Two rehab video games have been sufficient for Story, who was activated off the injured record and was in Saturday’s lineup for the primary time since July 12 as he batted sixth.
“It feels like forever since I played, but glad to be back and just helping the guys try to win on the field,” Story mentioned.
Story mentioned he feels a “touch of soreness” in his proper hand/wrist after struggling a small hairline fracture, however that was anticipated and he checked off all of the packing containers to return. Cora mentioned the second baseman will doubtless play two out of three video games in the beginning as he works his method again.
“I think physically he’s fine,” Cora mentioned. “Timing-wise, we’re about to see. He made some changes throughout the course, cleaned up some things swing-wise. It looks different. Hopefully this can get him going right away.”
Story didn’t wish to elaborate on the changes he’s made, however he’s excited to be again, and although the Red Sox’ playoff likelihood is slim – they entered Saturday eight video games again of the third Wild Card spot – he hopes so as to add to 1 closing push.
“We feel like we’re still within striking distance and we know the type of team we have and we know that we can get hot,” Story mentioned. “We feel like we’re still alive.”
Brasier works by struggles
Ryan Brasier had his worst outing of the season in Friday’s win, when he gave up 4 runs and didn’t file an out within the eighth inning, which made the ultimate two innings extra uncomfortable than they needed to be. The struggles have been ongoing for Brasier – who owns a ten.90 ERA since July 9 – which have been a bit puzzling for Cora.
“He’s throwing 97, so we’ve got to figure it out,” Cora mentioned. “With that stuff, it’s hard to see him getting hit. As a group, we have to find something with him. One thing we noticed and this is probably scouting reports, you see these teams coming out of the chute swinging. They’re swinging. He’s throwing a lot of middle-middle pitches. It happened in Baltimore. It happened yesterday. It happened fast.” …
With Story formally again and enjoying most days at second, Cora mentioned Christian Arroyo will play some first base – and certain play there Monday – no less than till Eric Hosmer is again. The Sox wish to maintain Arroyo, who’s hitting .367 since July 30, within the lineup. … Hosmer (again harm) will keep again in Boston because the Sox go to Minnesota this week, however could begin swinging Monday or Tuesday.
Source: www.bostonherald.com