Red Sox: What outfielder Rajai Davis brings to the table
By Sean Penney
Postseason
Despite playing in the majors for 12 seasons, Davis has only been to the postseason twice. He played for the Tigers team that lost in the 2014 ALDS to the Baltimore Orioles, then made it to the World Series with the Cleveland Indians last year.
His postseason resume is a small sample size, one which isn’t all that encouraging. Davis has hit a measly .175 with a .484 OPS in 18 playoff games.
However, his postseason experience is not without its memorable moments. Davis crushed a game-tying two-run homer off Chicago Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman in the eighth inning of Game 7 of last year’s World Series. It doesn’t get much more clutch than that.
Assuming the Red Sox outfielders are healthy in October, Davis won’t be counted on to start playoff games. His primary task in the playoffs will be to jump in as a pinch-runner late in games, where he can utilize his speed to get into scoring position. Davis stole three bases in the World Series alone last year and he’s a perfect 4-for-4 in career postseason attempts.
Next: Predicting Red Sox September call ups
Star players fill the spotlight, but teams need role players who can do the little things. A clutch hit, a stolen base, a great defensive play. Davis is capable of doing that. The veteran savvy of Davis will be an asset to the Red Sox, especially when the postseason rolls around.