FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino might consider dropping switch-hitting after all.
Victorino batted right-handed against Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Jake Odorizzi during his first spring training at-bat at JetBlue Park on Monday. Victorino’s decision to bat right-handed versus a righty adds fuel to the speculation that the 33-year-old is considering dropping switch-hitting in favor of batting exclusively from the right side.
Victorino batted left-handed in only six of his 170 plate appearances after Aug. 9 last season. Manager John Farrell suggested Saturday that Victorino might consider batting solely right-handed this season, although The Flyin’ Hawaiian said shortly after that he was still a switch-hitter for the time being.
It’ll be interesting to see if Victorino continues to bat right-handed versus right-handed pitching moving forward. One thing that clearly isn’t going to change, however, is the outfielder’s propensity for getting plunked. Victorino, who led the American League with 18 hit by pitches in 2013, was drilled by the first pitch he saw Monday.
Victorino also batted right-handed in his second at-bat versus Rays right-hander Steve Geltz.
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