Alex Cora Explains Noteworthy Lineup Changes After Series Loss
Alex Cora shook things up after the Red Sox stumbled out of the gate in Texas.
Fresh of losing three of four in Texas, Boston inserted Rob Refsnyder and Romy González into the starting lineup for Monday afternoon’s game in Baltimore. Refsnyder and González took over for Wilyer Abreu and Triston Casas, respectively, with a lefty starter on the hill for the Orioles. However, it was a bit surprising for Cora to sit Abreu, who went 7-for-10 with two home runs, two doubles and six RBIs over four games against the Rangers.
Speaking with the media before the series opener at Camden Yards, Cora explained the pair of lineup moves.
“Manager’s decision,” Cora told reporters, as seen on NESN. “I mean, I gotta play everybody here. We’ve had four games. Ref hasn’t played, Romy hasn’t played — they gotta play, you know? It’s not about Casas, it’s about the other guys. They need to play, too. I have to play the other two guys. They need at-bats.”
Having a roster full of impact players is a good problem for Cora to have, and it also provides him with flexibility on a game-to-game basis. Even when typical starters begin a contest on the bench, they can strategically be used later in games as Cora plays chess with the opposing manager.
So, don’t be surprised if Abreu and/or Casas make their presence felt Monday in Baltimore. NESN’s complete coverage of the matinee affair begins at 1:30 p.m. ET.