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Boston Red Sox: 3 players who rocked the Orioles on Opening Day

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MA - JULY 24: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox hits a two run RBI double in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Fenway Park on July 24, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 24: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox hits a two run RBI double in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Fenway Park on July 24, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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Boston Red Sox Kevin Pillar (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox Kevin Pillar (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

3. Kevin Pillar an underrated addition to the Boston Red Sox

Kevin Millar, Johnny Gomes, Steve Pearce…Kevin Pillar?

With a strong Boston Red Sox debut on Friday night, fans have to wonder if the veteran outfielder will be one of those underrated additions that propel the team to greater pastures.

In getting the nod over Alex Verdugo in the team’s first game against the Baltimore Orioles, Pillar showed off what he can do with his bat.  In going 3-for-5 with 3 RBI’s, the veteran outfielder not only made a strong first impression in a Red Sox uniform but showcased how deep the outfield is even without Mookie Betts.

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With Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr.(3-for-4 with a HR) making offensive contributions, Kevin Pillar was just out to prove he will make an impact either defensively or offensively whenever he gets a chance to get in the lineup.

That opportunity came right off the bat, and he delivered.

"“The one thing that I promised myself, watching this team from afar is they all give really competitive at-bats,” Pillar said, via NESN.  “Being here for a couple months now, getting a chance to talk to these guys, our hitting coaches they work their butts off putting together a plan.  And for me it was (less) about my individual results but making sure I bought into the team plan because I saw what id did in that first exhibition game with Mitch (Moreland) hitting that home run, the guys starting with the plan that we set up.  And it might not be you with the big day, but it’s just kind of passing the baton, allowing guys behind you to set up the pitcher, looking for stuff they want.”"

With the type of approach Kevin Pillar explained following his big night debut, it should be a solid offensive season for the Boston Red Sox bats, especially with the team’s ability to weave players like Mitch Moreland, Pillar, Alex Verdugo and Michael Chavis in and out of the lineup.

This 60-game sprint will really emphasize going with the hot bat and keeping all the hitters ready.

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