The Boston Red Sox made an early move Monday, calling up outfielder Jarren Duran from Triple-A Worcester before their series finale with the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park.
The short-notice promotion comes amid Boston's early-season struggles, primarily those spawning from the absence of outfielder Adam Duvall, who remains sidelined after suffering a fractured wrist.
Duran, who played 58 games with Boston last season, was beaten out for a reserve outfielder spot by teammate Raimel Tapia during spring training. This gave Duran a chance to retool and improve in preparation for an MLB opportunity, which presented itself for the 26-year-old on Patriots' Day.
"We all know this game's hard, and we put pressure on ourselves, so it's always nice to hear them just talking about having fun and just playing," Duran told reporters Monday before taking the field against the Angels, as seen on NESN. " ... I feel really good. I like where I'm at right now, so I'm excited to display it, hopefully at this level."
While preparing for the new season, Duran didn't have the easiest time getting enough chances in preseason exhibitions. In spring training, he played nine games, getting just 18 at-bats. Then, while representing Team Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic in March, Duran played just five games while getting only six at-bats.
Duran also underwent some offseason adjustments, particularly with his swing. He batted .195/.353/.439, going 8-for-41 with two home runs and six RBIs in 11 games with the WooSox before being called up.
"Made me feel more comfortable in the box," Duran said. "Just kind of like how my old swing used to be with my hands higher. So, it just feels like I was going back to something I know."
Getting the start in center field Monday, Duran went 1-for-3 with a double, a walk and a stolen base in his season debut during Boston's 5-4 loss to the Angels.
Being at such an early point in the year, Duran has plenty of time to work his way to the big league level at a more consistent basis moving forward.
