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Boston Red Sox player rankings, Week 7: MLB’s best shortstop on fire

By Scott Edwards

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 27: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on April 27, 2021 in New York City. The Red Sox defeated the Mets 2-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 27: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on April 27, 2021 in New York City. The Red Sox defeated the Mets 2-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox closer Matt Barnes (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

No. 3. Boston Red Sox Closer, Matt Barnes

Boston is not going to be very happy when it comes to Matt Barnes at the moment, as he blew the game on Sunday when he served up a two-run, game-winning home run to Shohei Ohtani with two outs and the win in sight. Of course, it’s difficult to blame Barnes who was going through hitters before a Mike Trout blooper dropped in for a hit, giving Ohtani a chance to swing the bat and ultimately untie the game.

Barnes has been nothing short of brilliant so far season, even with that loss on his resume. The April AL Reliever of the Month still has a 2.66 ERA with 35 strikeouts in just 20 and 1/3 innings. His fastball and curveball have been some of the most unhittable pitches in baseball this season and do not expect that to end after one tough showing. He is the closer people have been asking for since Craig Kimbrel departed.

No. 2: DH, JD Martinez

In 2020, JD Martinez was not himself. But as early as the first week of this season, Martinez showed that he was not only back to normal but up to the standards that Red Sox fans had expected of him. He was off to a roaring start this season at the plate and remains among the best hitters in the majors with his numbers.

The 1.025 OPS is only the beginning, as the designated hitter also is at the top of the majors in batting average with .342, home runs with 10, and RBI with 33. Martinez also has been showing out in the field when playing there, allowing the Red Sox more flexibility than ever before with him on the roster. There’s little chance he falters and should not only be at the top in the majors all year but could be in the most valuable player conversation when the season is over.

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