Yes, we're already at this point of the season, but the Boston Red Sox may be banking on utilityman Nick Sogard to give the team a much-needed offensive spark.
Boston called the 28-year-old up after placing shortstop Trevor Story on the 10-day injured list, but it seems like the team isn't just planning on using him for depth. Sogard started each of the Red Sox' last two games at third base over Caleb Durbin (who is batting .165 with one home run, 14 RBIs, and 24 strikeouts through his first 43 games with the Red Sox), and is batting 2-for-7 with an RBI in those games.
Recently, Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy spoke about his decision to insert Sogard into the starting lineup, making it clear that it's all about getting the offense going, which should be a huge priortity for the team (their 34 home runs, 163 RBIs, and 170 runs rank second-worst in the majors, and their .235 BA is tied for 10th-worst) (h/t Christopher Smith of MassLive.com).
“I think for now we’re doing everything we can to make sure we get some offense out there,” Tracy said. “I know Durb’s been struggling, but Sogie took two really good at-bats yesterday in Atlanta.”
“I don’t think it means it’s a permanent Sogie’s taking over at third,” Tracy said. “I think you’ll still see Durbin. I just think that on given days, if we see a matchup we like and Sogie’s part of it, we’ll use him. But we’re searching for runs, trying to get runs.”
Nick Sogard may be exactly what the Red Sox need
This is Sogard's third season logging at least one game for the Red Sox at the major-league level, and he's been solid in the past (.266 BA, 12 doubles, 17 RBIs, and five stolen bases in 60 total games). Plus, with him being a switch-hitter who can play just about every position, there are reasons to think his versatility could make him a real asset (especially on this Red Sox team).
To be direct, it's a big concern that Boston is relying on Sogard to get the offense going, but at this point, it needs to find a solution anyway possible, even if it's not popular. And that's especially the case with Roman Anthony, who hasn't played since May 4 due to a wrist injury, still on the shelf with no concrete timetable for his return.
This season has been a disaster for the Red Sox, particularly on the offensive side of things. Fortunately for them, there is still a ton of time left for them to turn things around, but it's clear they need to figure it out sooner rather than later. And as it seems, it appears that calling up Sogard could be the first step in the right direction.
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