Red Sox Series Preview: A War North Of The Border

Jun 25, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Alejandro De Aza (31) touches hands with fans after hitting three run homer during the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Red Sox Key Players To Watch:

• With Dustin Pedroia and Hanley Ramirez out with injuries, and no quick time-table as to their return, other position players will have to step up against the Blue Jays’ pitching staff. One player who continues to be a factor for the Red Sox is Alejandro De Aza, the more recent acquisition from the Baltimore Orioles. De Aza has hit three home runs and six RBIs, hitting left-handed for a .353 batting average, in the last seven games. He has been a major source for the Red Sox offense, and he wasn’t even in the original plans in April.

• The designated hitter and face of the franchise David Ortiz has slowly turned things around for himself, recently. He hit two home runs and four RBIs, including the runs that won the game, last night, against the Rays. However, be careful thinking that all is well in Ortizville, again, as Big Papi is only hitting .182 in the last seven games. His production has been more of situational hitting than consistent success.

• Center fielder Mookie Betts has cooled off in recent games, after lighting it up in early June. However, much like Ortiz, Betts is finding a way to contribute. While only hitting .167 in the last seven games, Betts has crossed the plate four times and has one of the only two stolen bases for the team. Then again, that might not mean much when you realize that Mike Napoli has the other one. Regardless, Betts is putting himself into scoring positions for the Red Sox to score more runs. Any player who can do that without hitting well can be a huge danger once he figures his issues out at the plate.