Nick Sogard Making Strong Debut Impression With Red Sox

Nick Sogard benefitted from being in the right place at the right time, getting promoted by the Boston Red Sox during the team’s most critical stretch of the season after logging 89 games with Triple-A Worcester.

Sogard was called up to Boston to fill the team’s lack of reliability at second base, a role that initially paved the way for offseason acquisition Vaughn Grissom, who’s been limited to just 23 big league appearances this season due to injury. In the organization’s farm system, which welcomed Sogard in 2021 when the Tampa Bay Rays traded the 12th-rounder, the 26-year-old flashed his defensive versatility and plate discipline — Sogard drew 56 walks in Triple-A, tied for the third-most on the WooSox. Now up in Boston, Sogard’s done the same, but in a Red Sox uniform, earning approval across the team’s clubhouse.

“It’s been great. He’s been grinding all the way through the minors and he’s doing the same thing here,” Tanner Houck told reporters after Friday night’s 8-4 loss to the Houston Astros. “Being a switch-hitter, being able to play anywhere on the field, really boosts the team; being able to just pick us up in any spot. Then having the right-handed bat as well as the left-handed bat. So watching him do what he’s done so far has been great and excited to see more of him.”

Getting the start at second base for Boston’s series opener with Houston at Fenway Park, Sogard contributed all across the board in his first game at the venerable ballpark. He reached base three times by going 2-for-3 at the plate, recorded his first MLB double and took over at shortstop in the eighth inning when Cora made a few defensive adjustments after Enmanuel Valdez pinch-hit for Danny Jansen. Sogard has gone 7-for-22 in his first six games, drawing four walks while also stabilizing the infield.

“Just a quality at-bat,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters. “He’s got a pretty good idea of what to swing at. He doesn’t chase. He gets to the fastball. So far, he’s been good and the fact that he’s a switch-hitter gives us kind of the philosophy of being patient. … He’s been solid. He’s played great defense, too. Made some nice plays at second and at shortstop. So far, it’s been fun to watch.”

The Red Sox remain 1 1/2 games behind the Kansas City Royals for the final playoff spot and the importance of Sogard’s role will continue to increase as the end of the regular season rapidly approaches. The Red Sox have 48 games left to climb up the standings before playoff berths are officially clinched for October.