Boston Red Sox 2023 Opening Day lineup projection & predictions

FORT MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 21: A view of the glove of Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox as he throws during a Spring Training team workout on February 21, 2023 at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

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Red Sox slugger Bobby Dalbec. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

Key Boston Red Sox players off the bench

Bobby Dalbec, SS:

That’s right, shortstop. With Casas and Turner being able to play first base, Boston is going to look to keep Dalbec’s bat in the lineup. Though he doesn’t have a hot bat all season, when he gets hot, he gets hot. In order to keep Dalbec in the majors having him be Hernández’s backup is going to be key to that.

Ramiel Tapia, CF:

I believe Tapia was brought in to light a fire under Jarren Duran to push Duran to be his best self, but so far this spring, Tapia has outperformed Duran. Tapia has the hottest bat on the Sox right now and he’s essentially forcing himself onto the team and I’m not upset about it. If he can keep this little groove he’s in coming from the bench he can provide the busy Sox outfield with some relief.

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Rob Refsnyder, RF:

Refsnyder proved last year that he is a serviceable player. He may not be the most razzle-dazzle type player, batting .307 in 57 appearances last year. He’s also showed the Boston faithful that he can provide average-above average defense in the outfield for the Sox.

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