BOSTON — Manager Alex Cora made an interesting decision Saturday when Vaughn Grissom left after two innings because of a right hamstring strain.
Cora replaced Grissom at second base with catcher Connor Wong who began the game on the bench with Reese McGuire starting behind the dish.
Wong played the final seven innings at second base in the Red Sox’ 6-3 win over the Tigers here at Fenway Park.
Wong had played just 11 innings at second base in the majors entering Saturday. He made 24 starts (207 ⅔ innings) there in the minor leagues.
Cora was asked why he chose Wong instead of backup infielder Romy Gonzalez or someone else. Cora indicated he was managing with a short bench with players potentially banged up. The bench included Wong, Gonzalez, Garrett Cooper and Rob Refsnyder.
Gonzalez and Cooper last played Thursday. Refsnyder last played Friday (yesterday).
“We’ve got a few things going,” Cora said. “Like I said yesterday, we’re not going to share everything that is going on with us. But we needed Wong today at second.”
Grissom is expected to be placed on the injured list Sunday. First baseman/third baseman Bobby Dalbec (who also has played right field at Triple-A Worcester) and catcher Tyler Heineman are the only two minor league position player options already on the 40-man roster.
