BOSTON — Jackie Bradley Jr. wasted no time in showing the Red Sox what they’ve been missing.
Bradley, who was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket before Thursday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, started in right field and batted ninth for the teams’ series finale at Fenway Park. The 25-year-old produced two hits at the dish in Boston’s 8-6 loss, but his most impressive highlight came on the defensive side in the ninth inning.
Bradley, who is known for his defensive prowess, fired an absolute missile to home plate to complete a double play and prevent a would-be sacrifice fly. The throw, which nailed David Lough, didn’t mean much given the Red Sox still lost, but it was another indication of how special JBJ is as a defender.
The question, of course, always has been whether Bradley will hit enough to evolve into an everyday major leaguer. His two-hit performance in his first game back with the Red Sox was encouraging in that regard, as his fourth-inning single snapped an 0-for-30 stretch dating to last season.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
