Why Jarren Duran Was Scratched From Red Sox Spring Training Game

The Red Sox were forced to make a change to their initial starting lineup for Sunday’s spring training matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Jarren Duran originally was supposed to start in left field and bat leadoff for Boston in Fort Myers, Fla. But the 2024 All-Star arrived to the club’s complex with a tight left calf, so manager Alex Cora decided to keep Duran out of dodge.

“He should be OK during the week,” Cora told reporters a few hours before first pitch.

Duran was not the only projected Red Sox starter dealing with an injury or ailment as of Sunday. Connor Wong is nursing a sore shoulder, but Cora believes the catcher probably will play Monday. Rafael Devers and Wilyer Abreu also remain sidelined from game action as they deal with recovery from shoulder issues and a gastrointestinal illness, respectively.

There was a bit of a silver lining to the Red Sox scratching Duran on Sunday, though. The lineup shift allowed Boston to receive another look at top prospect Roman Anthony, who will play left field and bat leadoff.

The exhibition clash, which also marks Garrett Crochet’s spring training debut with the Red Sox, is set to begin at 1 p.m. ET and can be watched in a variety of ways, including NESN 360 and NESN Nation.