Red Sox Series Preview: Meet the Marlins
By Drew Peabody
Jul 4, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino (18) advances to third on Boston Red Sox catcher Sandy Leon (3) single (not pictured) during the second inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Red Sox Key Players to Watch
Victorino has been limited to just 74 plate appearances this season. He just came back from his second stint on the disabled list this season on Saturday with two hits and on Sunday contributed a key sacrifice. The team is 14-8 when he plays so his presence is important if the Red Sox are going to make a run in the second half. Fans are skeptical that he will stay healthy, considering his all-out style of play, and the fact that he was only able to play 30 games last season and 122 games in 2013. Even if he stayed healthy for the rest of the season, he would only have played about half the possible games in his three year, $39 million contract signed before the 2013 season.
Bogaerts has looked right at home in the third spot in the lineup since Dustin Pedroia has been on the shelf. In 12 starts there he has slashed .340/.375/.453 while hitting six doubles and driving in eight runs. Look for him to continue his success as the Sox try to build on their recent streak of winning seven of ten games. Since he is near the top in every statistical category for shortstops, he should be on the All-Star team this season.