Red Sox Veteran Makes Case For Increased Role In Win Over Yankees

Alex Cora gave an atypical assignment to a specialist in a crucial spot, and it paid off for the Boston Red Sox.

Romy Gonzalez made an irregular start against a right-handed pitcher on “Sunday Night Baseball.” The infielder delivered without his preferred platoon advantage, going 2-for-4 with an RBI double in a much-needed 6-4 win over the New York Yankees.

Gonzalez has dominated left-handed pitchers all year long, batting a superb .347/.394/.629 in 137 plate appearances. Although far less prolific against righties, the 29-year-old is holding his own with a .284/.302/.406 slash line.

The current state of Boston’s lineup could lead to Gonzalez receiving more reps beyond his usual platoon.

A .709 OPS and 89 wRC+ hardly demand an everyday spot for Gonzalez, but consider Boston’s alternatives at second base. David Hamilton has a 58 wRC+ against righties, and Ceddanne Rafaela is batting .132/.165/.309 when he starts at second base compared to a .258/.306/.451 slash line at center field.

Cora might have considered another split when playing Gonzalez on Sunday night. He’s batting .344/.366/.540 at Fenway Park, tallying 14 doubles, three triples and four home runs in 172 plate appearances.

The Red Sox lineup could add welcome reinforcements if Wilyer Abreu returns from the injured list this week, giving Cora more motivation to keep trying Rafaela at second base. Nate Eaton has also provided the Red Sox with an unlikely spark, going 11-for-27 in 11 games this month.

Gonzalez probably won’t become an everyday lineup fixture down the stretch, but he warrants consideration for extra playing time over the next two weeks.