Ex-Red Sox Fan Favorite Reflects On ‘Surreal’ Return To Fenway

A former Red Sox fan favorite made his return to Fenway Park on Monday.

The White Sox placed Martín Pérez and Chase Meidroth on the injured list before their series finale against Boston. Chicago selected Bobby Dalbec to fill a spot on the active roster. The 29-year-old was drafted by the Red Sox in the 2016 MLB Draft, but he elected free agency after the 2024 season.

Monday marked the first time Dalbec returned to Fenway Park.

“It’s surreal, for sure. It’s a weird feeling being on this side of the dugout,” Dalbec told reporters, per WEEI’s Tom Carroll. “You know, driving in and everything, I’m used to going in over there. But it’s fun being back.”

Dalbec signed a minor-league deal with the White Sox last offseason and was on their spring training roster as a non-roster invitee. Red Sox fans praised the infielder throughout his career for his positive attitude and relentless effort to maintain his spot on the MLB roster. Dalbec crushed at Triple-A Worcester but couldn’t translate that success at the major league level. He hopes for a fresh start while also being a veteran leader for a young Chicago club.

“I’m just trying to be a pro and help the young guys,” Dalbec said, per WEEI’s Rob Bradford. “If I can help them not go through the stuff that I’ve gone through, just on the mental side, focusing on what’s important and what’s not, just helping them take of that and take things more simple.”

Dalbec didn’t start Monday, but he could feature against the Red Sox on Patriots’ Day. You can check out full coverage of the matchup on NESN.