With Spring Training wrapping up in the next couple of weeks, the Boston Red Sox are starting to get their starting rotation and batting order together for Opening Day. There’s some question marks regarding the Red Sox’s rotation due to various injuries to Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Lucas Giolito.
However, the Red Sox hope that Gioltio’s injury isn’t serious. Meanwhile, Boston manager Alex Cora has started on the lineup for Opening Day and already has his top-three hitters penciled in.
According to Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald, Jarren Duran will be batting lead off, followed by Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman in the second and third spots.
Cora highlights:
— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) March 12, 2025
- Story day-to-day, most likely back in lineup Saturday
- Giolito having MRI later today
- Top of order will be Duran, Devers, Bregman
The 28-year-old Duran batted predominantly in the lead off spot for the Red Sox and did a good job setting the tone for the rest of the batting order.
The veteran centerfielder slashed .286/.341/.494 with 20 home runs and 69 RBIs. He also had 46 doubles, 14 triples and 33 stolen bases. If Duran can have a similar output this season, it will set up Devers and Bregman for a ton of RBI opportunities.
Devers spent a little bit of time hitting second last season (35 games), while most of his ABs happened in the fourth hole (99 games). The All-Star third baseman slashed .270/.392/.429 with four home runs and 15 RBI in the second spot.
The veteran third baseman hasn’t played in Spring Training due to shoulder issues from last season. However, the Red Sox hope Devers will make his Spring Training debut this weekend against the Atlanta Braves.
Finally, Bregman is coming off a solid 2024 season with the Houston Astros, hitting .260 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI. With the Red Sox this spring, the 30-year-old Bregman has slugged .391 with two home runs and eight RBI in 30 plate appearances.