Yoan Moncada Debuts as Red Sox Take 2 of 3 From A’s
Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada joins young core of promising Red Sox stars.
Cuban star Yoan Moncada made his debut for the Boston Red Sox over the weekend, experiencing both highs and lows in the process. The Red Sox also rode the same wave of emotions.
Moncada picked up the first hits of his career and drove in his first run. He was also picked off of first base and committed his first error. All in a weekend’s work, for the rookie.
As for the team itself, the Red Sox scored 27 runs in the first two games of the series, both wins. Then the third game rolled around and they could only muster six hits while not scoring, resulting in a 1-0 loss.
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The outburst of the offense provided a perfect opportunity for Moncada to see some at-bats and get a few regulars some rest. And it wasn’t all bad for the Red Sox on Sunday.
delivered his best start of the season,
into the 8th. An infield single by
ended the bid and Rodriguez ended with a no-decision.
Craig Kimbrel took the loss. In the ninth, he walked Danny Valencia and allowed a game-winning double by Khris Davis.
Rodriguez completed a weekend that saw the Red Sox continue to display strong starting pitching. David Price improved to 14-8 with a win on Friday while Cy Young Award candidate Rick Porcello won his 19th game on Saturday.
Still, many eyes were on Moncada. Though he committed an error on Sunday, he backed Rodriguez with several defensive gems that at the time helped preserve the no-hitter. The rookie hit .400 over the weekend, collecting four hits in ten at-bats. Along with the RBI, Moncada also scored three runs.
In the future, the Red Sox might have quite the dilemma on their hands. Travis Shaw has played well this season at third base and Dustin Pedroia is back to his all-star self at second base. Xander Bogaerts is a lock at shortstop, creating a bit of an infield logjam.
The most logical choice, barring any major developments, might see Shaw shifting to first, with Moncada taking over third and Hanley Ramirez becoming a full time DH.
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That is the future. As for now, Moncada will hopefully find way to continue to contribute. The Red Sox currently sit one game behind the Toronto Blue Jays for first-place in the AL East. With a pivotal road ahead, Moncada will most likely be asked to contribute more than once.
Succeed at those opportunities, whether big or small, and Moncada will be a fixture in a Boston uniform for years to come.