What should we make of the 5-5 Red Sox? John Tomase weighs in on Alex Verdugo’s hot start, Boston’s big miss on Seiya Suzuki, a potential lineup shuffle and more with his 10 observations through 10 games.
That trio has accounted for nearly half of the team's 80 hits. Disappointments dot the lineup. J.D. Martinez has been a .250 hitter since last June 1. Kiké Hernández is down to .163 pm the season after Monday's 0 for 5 with three Ks.has hit maybe two balls hard. Christian Vazquez, Bobby Dalbec and Christian Arroyo are batting a combined .183.
A straight swap of Hernández and Story between the first and sixth spots could be a consideration if the offense continues to scuffle.Cora wants a right-hander hitting leadoff so that the left-handed Devers can remain in the two-hole. If that's his criteria, then it might be worth elevating Story, who's used to batting atop the order from his years hitting second with the Rockies, and also boasts 30-steal potential that could play in the leadoff spot.
Since starting the season 0 for 11, Bradley is 6 for 15 with four doubles and an opportunistic bunt single vs. the shift. He's only hitting .231, but his .718 OPS ranks fifth on the roster, and he's authored some of the lineup's best at-bats in recent days.6. Verdugo and Mookie