How Alex Cora Discussed Possible Position Change For Red Sox Rookie

The Boston Red Sox will soon face another lineup dilemma that’s sparked speculation about defensive maneuvering.

Alex Bregman is slated to return from the injured list before the All-Star break. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith, that he plans to play the third baseman in two of three games from Friday through Sunday.

Bregman’s return puts Marcelo Mayer’s short-term future in question. The rookie will lose his spot at the hot corner, where the shortstop moved following Bregman’s quad injury.

Cora was asked before Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, per WEEI’s Tom Carroll, about Mayer potentially moving to second base. The skipper wouldn’t commit to anything until the team activates Bregman.

“We’ll make decisions whenever Alex is back,” Cora said.

Mayer is still finding his footing at the plate, batting .232/.270/.413 in 111 plate appearances. While he remains a work in progress as a hitter, Cora called Mayer a “great defender.”

“He’s up there with the best of them,” Cora said of Mayer’s glove work. “Offensively, still learning, but he puts the ball in play. He understands what he needs to do. Little by little, he’s feeling comfortable. Defensively, he’s a stud.”

Mayer has managed the shift from shortstop to third base, and he’s started three games at second for Boston. Cora theorized that the 22-year-old could also handle first base if needed.

“He’s that good defensively,” Cora declared. “He understands the game. He sees the game differently, and it’s real … He doesn’t panic, and that’s the part of his game that I’m really impressed with.”

Boston has more players than lineup spots across the diamond, but second base remains a sore spot. Red Sox second basemen are collectively batting .207/.289/.321 with minus-0.5 WAR.

The Red Sox demoted a struggling Kristian Campbell last month, and the rookie has seen time at first base at Triple-A Worcester. Mayer could potentially join Campbell on the Woo Sox unless he becomes Boston’s starting second baseman (at least against right-handed pitchers) over David Hamilton and Romy Gonzalez.

Boston could also send Mayer back to shortstop and slide Trevor Story to second. The Red Sox may have to decide Mayer’s landing spot as soon as Friday.