Red Sox Strut: Third baseman Rafael Devers, LHP Chris Sale

Position Player Candidates

Eduardo Nunez led the team in hits, going 8-for-18 (.444) with three RBI and three stolen bases last week. That almost made him worthy of the strut, although he would have done so with a limp after leaving Saturday’s game with a knee contusion. Nunez appeared to bang his knee while stealing second base in the first inning of Saturday’s game. He would remain in the game initially, only to be replaced after beating out an infield single in his next plate appearance. Nunez sat out Sunday’s game but shouldn’t be sidelined much longer.

Dustin Pedroia is starting to heat up following his lengthy absence. He went 5-for-13 (.385) over his last four games and blasted his first home run since July 20. Pedroia went on a mini-power surge prior to his stint on the disabled list, homering four times in a span of 11 games in July. His shot into the Monster seats on Saturday could be a sign the Laser Show is back.

Christian Vazquez continues to rake whenever he’s in the lineup. He went 5-for-14 (.357) with a double and two RBI last week. Vazquez is now hitting an absurd .372 with a .956 OPS at Fenway Park this season.

Is the slump finally ending for Mookie Betts? A 7-for-25 (.280) performance last week suggests it might be. Betts smacked three doubles and a rare opposite field home run, leading to a team-high 13 total bases for the week.

Sam Travis only started two games last week but appeared in two others as a pinch-hitter. He collected three hits, including a double, in his eight trips to the plate. If the 24-year old continues to produce he may start stealing playing time from Hanley Ramirez. He could also spell Mitch Moreland against lefties, against whom Travis is hitting .394 in 33 at-bats.