Will the Red Sox turn to Jackie Bradley Jr. to anchor the outfield
Managing Editor
If you're John Farrell you've got to be wondering if this Red Sox team is blessed and cursed, simultaneously. Boston sits uneasy in first place, and were enjoying the fruits of an impressive home-stand - going 8-1 as they defended Fenway Park, and it's lovable monster.
However, their current West Coast road trip has taken an opportunity to distance themselves in the AL East, and crushed it. Quickly.
After losing two straight against the Anaheim Angels - fitting name - the Red Sox have travelled to Seattle to face a sub-par Mariners squad in a four-game series. On Monday, Ellsbury was a lineup scratch due to wrist soreness after an awkward at bat against the Angels, and Victorino sat for the second straight game with a strained left hamstring. Farrell was left with the arduous task of realigning the outfield - Daniel Nava (centerfield), Jonny Gomes (right field) and Mike Carp (left field).
Clearly this patchwork outfield will not sustain success for the long haul (or until Victorino and Ellsbury return). Yesterday, Nava struggling to find his comfort zone in centerfield. His erratic play and unforced miscues have lead Farrell to seek alternative options for a depleted Red Sox roster.
Farrell's number one option, Jackie Bradley Jr.
Yesterday, Jackie Bradley Jr. didn't play either game of Pawtucket's double-header at Lehigh Valley. An indication the Red Sox are looking to add Bradley Jr. to the roster, but that would require sending Ellsbury or Victornio to the disabled list.
"We've got some discussions to take place here tonight," said John Farrell. "Any pending changes will come out of that meeting with Ben (Cherington), so we'll see where that takes us."
We now know why Cherington made the trip out to the Emerald City - business not pleasure.
Follow Scott Levesque on Twitter at @scottlevesque.
