Red Sox’s Alex Cora Details Plan For Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer

As Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony ease their way into playing with the Red Sox, they’ll also ease their way into hitting against left-handed pitchers.

Anthony was called up Monday and recorded his first hit Tuesday on an RBI double. Mayer has been in the big leagues since May 24, taking Alex Bregman’s spot after he was placed on the 10-day injured list.

During Anthony’s debut, he was pulled in the 11th inning with lefty Ian Seymour on the mound. Mayer was also pulled earlier that day to allow Romy Gonzalez to pinch hit in the sixth inning.

“I had a conversation with Marcelo in New York and (on Tuesday) I talked to Roman about a lot of stuff including pinch-hitting,” Cora told reporters, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. “They’re all-in to win. They know. We’ll keep doing that. We’ve got a righty (on Tuesday) so they’re starting.”

With players like Gonzalez and Rob Refsnyder having strong numbers against left-handed pitchers this season, Cora wants to make sure they are in the lineup on days southpaws are pitching.

“We have two of the best (right-handed pinch-hitters) and that’s the reality of our roster,” Cora said. “What Romy has done the last year and a half, he has been amazing. Even (on Monday), Ref went to my office and was praising Romy like, ‘This guy is the best against lefties.’ I was like, ‘Just save it. You’re good, too.’”

While Anthony had strong numbers against left-handed pitchers in Triple-A Worcester, Cora believes MLB is different. With more games in a week, the Red Sox manager wants to make sure he’s protecting his young players.

“We’re trying to play the game of how to protect them,” Cora said. “They don’t see many lefties during the game understanding there’s a pocket up there (at the top of the lineup) with Jarren and Raffy. If they bring the lefty for those guys (the rookies), it’s good for us.”