In a critical moment for the Boston Red Sox, manager Alex Cora has made pivotal decisions regarding his lineup for the Wild Card Series. As the team faced off against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, Cora’s choices have raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Significant offensive players like Masataka Yoshida, Wilyer Abreu, and Nathaniel Lowe found themselves on the bench as Cora opted for a lineup emphasizing right-handed hitters.
Red Sox Lineup Decisions Against Yankees
For Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, Cora started Nate Eaton in right field and Nick Sogard at second base. Rob Refsnyder was chosen as the designated hitter over Yoshida, who had been a standout performer in September.
- Nate Eaton: Emerging star with a .370 batting average and .898 OPS in September.
- Nick Sogard: Limited experience but performed well against left-handers this season.
- Rob Refsnyder: Selected as designated hitter despite Yoshida’s strong September performance.
The decision to bench key players reflects Cora’s strategy of platooning, particularly against left-handed pitching. Against Yankees’ ace Max Fried, the Red Sox starting lineup featured eight right-handed hitters, including switch-hitter Sogard.
Cora’s Rationale Behind the Decisions
Discussing his strategy before the game, Cora stated, “We’re not going to change what we do. We have been platooning the whole time.” This comment highlights the manager’s commitment to the team’s established approach.
Despite Yoshida’s impressive statistics—hitting .333 with two home runs and 13 RBIs in September—his history against left-handed pitchers has been a concern, influencing Cora’s decision. Yoshida has only managed a .237 average and .650 OPS against lefties throughout his career.
Meanwhile, Abreu’s lack of experience against left-handers, combined with a recent dip in form, factored into Cora’s choices. With Abreu’s career OPS against lefties sitting at .589, Cora felt more confident in the alternatives he selected.
Looking Ahead: Game 2 Lineup Considerations
As the series continues, Cora indicated that a similar lineup could be employed for Game 2, where lefty Carlos Rodón will take the mound for the Yankees. The Red Sox have continually adapted their strategy, opting for flexibility over sticking to a rigid roster.
“We have to manage the team. We have a good team,” Cora emphasized. The outcome of these strategic line-up decisions could heavily impact the Red Sox’s postseason trajectory and their quest for success in October.
