MINNEAPOLIS — The Red Sox have tried five different hitters in the leadoff spot this season. And the most recent experiment at the top of the order may be the one that sticks for the rest of the season.
Roman Anthony, who made his debut in the leadoff position Sunday and was there again Monday as the Sox began a road trip.
It’s likely, Alex Cora said, that he’s going to remain there.
“Probably (go with that) moving forward,” said Cora. “He’s done it his whole life. I feel like now, where we’re at as a team and what Jarren (Duran’s) doing offensively, too, we can be more creative (with him) hitting third.”
For much of the year, except aginst select lefthanders, Duran has been the more frequent choice to hit first, 90 of the team’s first 107 games. Others who’ve hit first: Romy Gonzalez (twice), Rob Refsnyder (10 games) and Nick Eaton (four games).
But of late, Duran has begun driving the ball more. He had a three extra-base hit game (two triples and a double) Saturday. And over the last 22 games, Duran has six doubles, four triples and four homers. As such, the Sox like him hitting third, where he can produce runs.
“It gives JD the freedom to be more aggressive,” said Cora.
Meanwhile, Anthony has already shown good on-base skills, and that continues in his rookie season in the big leagues. Anthony has a .385 on-base percentage and is the fourth player in franchise history since 1960 to post a .385 OBP in his first 40 career games, joining Kevin Youkilis (.399 in 2004), Wade Boggs (.403 in 1982) and Fred Lynn (.425 in 1975).
The more Anthony plays, the more his plate discipline has improved. Since June 18, he’s reached base in 29 of his last 32 games and his .433 OBP in that span ranks fourth in all of baseball.
“Obviously,” said Anthony, “(hitting first) is a little different than batting third, fifth or whatever. But I think I just being ready from Pitch 1 is huge. Luckily, I don’t think there was a game in the minor leagues when I didn’t hit leadoff (so I’m) super comfortable with it.”
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