Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Jun 20, 2024 5:00:03 GMT -5
RED SOX NOTEBOOK
Why being named an All-Star would be so special to Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran
By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated June 19, 2024, 6:41 p.m.
TORONTO — Jarren Duran should be an All-Star. He wants to be an All-Star.
The Red Sox outfielder and leadoff hitter wants to be at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, next month among the game’s best players. He wants to be honored for what he’s done on the field. He wants his rise from timid rookie to stout veteran whose team goes as he goes to be recognized.
If Duran, in fact, is named an All-Star, relaying that message to his father, Octavio, would be the ultimate reward.
“Being able to call my dad and tell my dad that I’m an All-Star would probably be what makes me cry,” Duran said before the series finale against the Blue Jays on Wednesday evening.
Duran’s parents were at Rogers Centre this week, watching their son’s continued growth from not just a physical specimen, but a threat in the outfield, in the batter’s box, and on the bases.
Duran has merged promise with product, hitting .277/.345/.468 with an .813 OPS and six homers after Wednesday night’s 2 for 5 with two RBIs, including a solo shot, in the 7-3 win over the Blue Jays.
Duran entered Wednesday leading the majors with 10 triples and had a WAR of 3.7 in 74 games. In the outfield, Duran ranked second in the majors with nine defensive runs saved. And he’d stolen 17 bases.
He’s a player.
“The numbers are there,” said manager Alex Cora. “The WAR is there. Whatever numbers people use for voting, yeah, he’s one of the best outfielders in the big leagues. You see him in the clubhouse, there’s a presence. He leads off and something big might happen, first pitch or a ball in the gap. He’s playing defense now. I go back to two years ago, man, [Raimel Tapia] hits a fly ball. Then the game in Kansas City where he was screaming at fans.”
In a game against the Blue Jays in 2022, Duran lost a ball in the twilight at Fenway, which led to a Tapia inside the park homer. Then when the Sox were in Kansas City, Duran botched another ball in the outfield and screamed at hecklers from center field.
Now, Duran is being compared to former All-Stars who have carved out stellar careers, one being the Blue Jays’ George Springer, who had a similar presence in the leadoff spot during his days with the Astros.
“They’re both physical,” said Cora. “You never know with them. The first pitch they might hit a homer or hit a rocket somewhere. It’s kind of like they set the tempo for the team.”
Springer, 34, is past his prime. Duran is in his. He should be an All-Star. He wants to be an All-Star. Over anything, though, he wants to call his father with the good news.
“I feel like that would be a special moment to tell him,” said Duran.
Abreu getting closer
Wilyer Abreu (ankle) hit in the two-hole for Triple A Worcester on Wednesday and went 2 for 5 with two solo homers. The plan is for Abreu to DH Thursday and potentially join the major league club in Cincinnati Friday or Saturday during the three-game series against the Reds . . . Ceddanne Rafaela got the day off on Wednesday. Rafaela had shifted from center field Monday to shortstop Tuesday. He’s also been on base a lot as he continues to stay hot at the plate, batting .377/.406/.475 with an .882 OPS in June, so Cora saw Wednesday as the best time to give Rafaela a breather . . . Chris Martin pitched for the first time since being reinstated from the injured list (anxiety). Martin tossed a scoreless ninth, yielding one hit. “The biggest thing was making sure my body felt good,” said Martin. “I came in and my legs felt refreshed, so that was a good thing.” . . . The Sox will push Tanner Houck back a day and he will now start Monday at Fenway Park against the Blue Jays instead of Sunday against the Reds. The extra day of rest should help Houck, who mentioned that his stuff was flat over the last two outings despite yielding just five earned runs across 11⅔ innings. Kutter Crawford will pitch Friday, followed by Nick Pivetta on Saturday. Sunday’s Red Sox starter is to be determined. The Sox could use that day as a bullpen game.
Why being named an All-Star would be so special to Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran
By Julian McWilliams Globe Staff,Updated June 19, 2024, 6:41 p.m.
TORONTO — Jarren Duran should be an All-Star. He wants to be an All-Star.
The Red Sox outfielder and leadoff hitter wants to be at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, next month among the game’s best players. He wants to be honored for what he’s done on the field. He wants his rise from timid rookie to stout veteran whose team goes as he goes to be recognized.
If Duran, in fact, is named an All-Star, relaying that message to his father, Octavio, would be the ultimate reward.
“Being able to call my dad and tell my dad that I’m an All-Star would probably be what makes me cry,” Duran said before the series finale against the Blue Jays on Wednesday evening.
Duran’s parents were at Rogers Centre this week, watching their son’s continued growth from not just a physical specimen, but a threat in the outfield, in the batter’s box, and on the bases.
Duran has merged promise with product, hitting .277/.345/.468 with an .813 OPS and six homers after Wednesday night’s 2 for 5 with two RBIs, including a solo shot, in the 7-3 win over the Blue Jays.
Duran entered Wednesday leading the majors with 10 triples and had a WAR of 3.7 in 74 games. In the outfield, Duran ranked second in the majors with nine defensive runs saved. And he’d stolen 17 bases.
He’s a player.
“The numbers are there,” said manager Alex Cora. “The WAR is there. Whatever numbers people use for voting, yeah, he’s one of the best outfielders in the big leagues. You see him in the clubhouse, there’s a presence. He leads off and something big might happen, first pitch or a ball in the gap. He’s playing defense now. I go back to two years ago, man, [Raimel Tapia] hits a fly ball. Then the game in Kansas City where he was screaming at fans.”
In a game against the Blue Jays in 2022, Duran lost a ball in the twilight at Fenway, which led to a Tapia inside the park homer. Then when the Sox were in Kansas City, Duran botched another ball in the outfield and screamed at hecklers from center field.
Now, Duran is being compared to former All-Stars who have carved out stellar careers, one being the Blue Jays’ George Springer, who had a similar presence in the leadoff spot during his days with the Astros.
“They’re both physical,” said Cora. “You never know with them. The first pitch they might hit a homer or hit a rocket somewhere. It’s kind of like they set the tempo for the team.”
Springer, 34, is past his prime. Duran is in his. He should be an All-Star. He wants to be an All-Star. Over anything, though, he wants to call his father with the good news.
“I feel like that would be a special moment to tell him,” said Duran.
Abreu getting closer
Wilyer Abreu (ankle) hit in the two-hole for Triple A Worcester on Wednesday and went 2 for 5 with two solo homers. The plan is for Abreu to DH Thursday and potentially join the major league club in Cincinnati Friday or Saturday during the three-game series against the Reds . . . Ceddanne Rafaela got the day off on Wednesday. Rafaela had shifted from center field Monday to shortstop Tuesday. He’s also been on base a lot as he continues to stay hot at the plate, batting .377/.406/.475 with an .882 OPS in June, so Cora saw Wednesday as the best time to give Rafaela a breather . . . Chris Martin pitched for the first time since being reinstated from the injured list (anxiety). Martin tossed a scoreless ninth, yielding one hit. “The biggest thing was making sure my body felt good,” said Martin. “I came in and my legs felt refreshed, so that was a good thing.” . . . The Sox will push Tanner Houck back a day and he will now start Monday at Fenway Park against the Blue Jays instead of Sunday against the Reds. The extra day of rest should help Houck, who mentioned that his stuff was flat over the last two outings despite yielding just five earned runs across 11⅔ innings. Kutter Crawford will pitch Friday, followed by Nick Pivetta on Saturday. Sunday’s Red Sox starter is to be determined. The Sox could use that day as a bullpen game.