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Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox have identified their utility man ahead of Opening Day 2023

By Matt Dolloff
Sep 23, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Yu Chang (12) throws the ball to first base for an out during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox had an opening on their roster for a utility infielder.

But now, with Opening Day 2023 fast approaching, it appears that the “winner” in the competition for that role has been determined, at least to start the season. It was clear who had the best chance as spring training was coming to a close.

Ultimately, the Red Sox are sending one of their more maligned young infielders to the minor leagues, opting to keep someone with more experience playing across the diamond.

  • The Boston Red Sox announced Monday that they’ve optioned Bobby Dalbec to Triple-A Worcester ahead of the start of the 2023 regular season, which means they’ve landed on Yu Chang as their utility infielder to start the season. Chang is a career .213 hitter in four major league seasons, but defensively has ranged from 35-58 career games between all four infield spots.

    Dalbec, 27, batted just .215 with a .652 OPS in the 2022 season, with only 12 home runs in 353 plate appearances. He posted an .813 OPS with two home runs in 51 spring at-bats in 2023, but Red Sox Manager Alex Cora indicated that he knew all along he’d be competing for a spot on the roster as a utility player.

    “That’s something we told him. From the get-go, he knew the situation,” Cora said Monday, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.

  • Feb 25, 2023; North Port, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Bobby Dalbec, right, is congratulated by outfielder Raimel Tapia (17) after he hit a 2-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

    Feb 25, 2023; North Port, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Bobby Dalbec, right, is congratulated by outfielder Raimel Tapia (17) after he hit a 2-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

  • Chang played for four different teams in 2022: the Guardians, Pirates, Rays, and Red Sox. But for now, he has a home in Boston. He figures to get plenty of time in the middle infield, as the Red Sox hold out hope for Trevor Story (UCL surgery) to return. Adalberto Mondesi and Christian Arroyo should also be heavily in the mix.

    As for Dalbec, he’s expected to play third base and mix in at the other three infield positions while he’s in Worcester. There wasn’t a path for Dalbec to play much at first base or DH, with Triston Casas and Justin Turner expected to man those spots in the lineup.

    The Red Sox’ 2023 season officially kicks off Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles at 2:10 p.m.

  • Click here for complete Boston Red Sox coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  • Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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