Red Sox bench Hamilton for Thursday, Rafaela to start at second as Povich takes on Orioles
The Red Sox will sit Hamilton for Thursday’s game against the Orioles after he had started the previous three contests, going 4-for-10 with a home run, a double and three RBIs. The left-handed-hitting infielder will come off the bench as Baltimore’s Cade Povich starts on the mound. Ceddanne Rafaela will start at second base in the series finale, with Hamilton still in the mix to handle the keystone against right-handed pitching.
The plan suggests Hamilton could continue to shoulder most of the second-base workload against right-handed starters until Wilyer Abreu returns from the injured list with his calf issue, at which point Rafaela would move into the infield more frequently.
What this means for Boston
– The club is continuing a platoon-style approach at second base, leveraging Rafaela in the middle infield when the opponent is a lefty.
– Abreu’s return could shift playing time even further, potentially easing Rafaela into more regular infield duties.
– The move highlights the roster’s flexibility and the coaching staff’s willingness to adjust on a game-by-game basis.
Summary
Boston pivots at the keystone, sitting a productive Hamilton to give Rafaela a start at second in the series finale against Baltimore, with the potential for shifts in infield duty once Abreu returns from injury. The Red Sox will look to close the series strong on Thursday.
Note: This rewrite emphasizes lineup changes and potential implications for playing time and strategy, while keeping to factual details from the report. If you want, I can add a short player-by-player impact section or a fantasy-friendly quick take.