As the 2024 season approaches, Crawford is slated to be the fourth starter in Boston’s rotation. Last year, he typically threw approximately 85 pitches across five innings, and the team hopes he can prolong his outings this season.
Manager Alex Cora lauded Crawford’s performance, highlighting his progress and resilience. Crawford’s primary focus this season is to pitch deeper into games, targeting the fifth and sixth innings to alleviate pressure on the bullpen.
The Red Sox possess a formidable bullpen that excels when well-rested. Crawford and the other starters aim to pitch more effectively to set up their relievers for success in the upcoming season.
Alex Cora opens door for Red Sox slugger to make big league team.
During 2023, Bobby Dalbec was essentially invisible to the Red Sox.
With just 21 games played for the Red Sox this season—half of which came in the last two weeks when Boston was eliminated from playoff contention—the 28-year-old slugger spent the most of the season with Triple-A Worcester.
Going into a new season, Alex Cora is keeping an eye on Dalbec despite his lack of stature in the club.
According to Christopher Smith of MassLive, Cora told reporters Tuesday from JetBlue Park, “He has a chance to make this team.” “I believe adaptability is starting to show itself. We prefer the outfield play, I believe. He performed admirably in Triple-A. Although the stadium’s layout is obviously different in Triple-A, he performed admirably. We also require a right-handed bat with versatility who can play in the corners. Thus, he has a chance to succeed.
Dalbec’s chances of playing regularly in the majors with the Red Sox may be better this season.
Dalbec, who belted 33 home runs with Worcester last season but only batted .204 with one round-tripper in 49 at-bats with the Red Sox, could serve as a backup corner infielder to Rafael Devers and Triston Casas, something Justin Turner did last season when he wasn’t slotted in as the team’s designated hitter. Turner signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency last month.
Dalbec also learned on the job how to play outfield last season with Worcester. He started 36 games in right field to add to his profile.
“He’s a good defender,” Cora said. “He’s going to hit the ball out of the ballpark.”
It wasn’t long ago that the right-handed hitter was a mainstay in Boston’s lineup. Dalbec played in 133 games for the Red Sox in 2021, batting .240 with 25 homers and 78 RBIs on a team that made a run to the American League Championship Series.
Dalbec suited up for 117 games the following year but saw his performance at the plate sharply decline until the Red Sox optioned him to Triple-A.
Dalbec has been there basically ever since, but if he can recapture his form with his bat, there just might be a spot for him on the Red Sox this season. Cora, at least, is keeping the door open for that.