BALTIMORE — Utility infielder David Hamilton had a true impact on the 2024 Red Sox, stealing 33 bases, recording a 2.6 bWAR and batting second in the order 20 different times.
The majority of Hamilton’s starts last year came at shortstop. With Trevor Story healthy this year, Hamilton’s playing time has been reduced considerably, with 156 fewer plate appearances.
Playing sparingly, he had difficulty finding his rhythm offensively, resulting in two demotions to Triple-A Worcester.
But Hamilton might finally be breaking out of his season-long slump. He went 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs in the Red Sox’ 5-0 victory over Baltimore on Tuesday.
Boston recalled him from Worcester before it began its eight-game road trip Friday. He has appeared in five of six games on the trip so far, going 6-for-15 with a home run, double, triple and two walks.
“He played in Triple A. It’s a different role down there, and he got his rhythm back, and we’re trying to see that continue here,” manager Alex Cora said.
Hamilton agrees with Cora that more regular playing time with Worcester benefited him.
“I’ve never really not played that much,” he said. “So it’s difficult. It’s a learning experience, for sure. I think going down helped me just be myself again.”
Hamilton’s elite speed alone makes him a valuable roster piece. He has the ability to be a late-inning game-changer simply as a pinch runner.
“When he’s going good, which he is right now, it’s huge for us,” Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito said. “He’s such a threat in multiple ways. Really good defense at second. Crazy threat on the base paths. If he gets on first, then there’s a really good chance he can end up on third base without much happening. So to have kind of everybody firing and doing what they do best to help contribute to winning, it’s big.”
Hamilton connected on a first-pitch 93.1 mph sinker from O’s starter Kyle Bradish, sending it 364 feet to right field to give Boston a 2-0 lead in the third inning.
“Last game I felt a little late, behind, under everything,” Hamilton said. “So just wanted to catch it out front and got a good pitch to hit.”
Hamilton expressed satisfaction with his recent contributions to the team. He also dropped down a sac bunt in the eighth to help plate an insurance run, making it 3-0 Red Sox.
“Feels good, man,” Hamilton said. “Team’s rolling. It’s fun to be a part of that.”
Story said it’s “awesome” to see Hamilton contributing.
“He’s a great guy, works really hard,” Story said. “Prepares the right way. And he’s a special talent. He has the chance to be really good. He knows that. We all know that. It’s good to see him have the success. He has an opportunity. I think he’s taking advantage of it.”
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