Red Sox rookie star Michael Chavis could be returning this weekend
The Boston Red Sox are fighting for their postseason lives and they may be getting some help from their rookie sensation as he’s nearing a return.
Red Sox Nation, behold the return of the Ice Horse, maybe. Alex Cora spoke yesterday afternoon about the status of Michael Chavis as he works his way back from a stint on the IL. Cora mentioned that the tentative target for his return is this weekend. He was sent to the Injured List thanks to a sprained AC Joint in his shoulder but would suffer a setback due to soreness in his midsection.
With every game being as close to a playoff game as you can be outside of October, the Red Sox need every weapon they have at their disposal. At this point, having Chavis back in the lineup couldn’t hurt in any way. With big-time clashes on the horizon with the Yankees and Tampa Bay, Cora can’t waste any time if Chavis is healthy and ready to rock.
Though the possible return of Chavis this weekend is enough to excite any member of Red Sox Nation, it isn’t a guarantee that he will be an impact player. For as spectacular as every one of his home runs is, his strikeouts are equally as nasty. The “K” has plagued the Ice Horse all season long and it likely won’t be corrected this year.
"“We’re trying to shoot for the weekend,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “I think he feels better. I talked to (head trainer) Brad (Pearson) a little bit. It’s a shame because he was swinging the bat well. He made some adjustments and he was feeling a lot better with his shoulder. But this happened. But hopefully the next few days he’ll start hitting soft toss and hitting off the Tee. Start his progression. By the end of the week, the goal is for him to be OK.”"
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports Group
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
Even with his love of swinging at pitches he has no chance of hitting, he’s still a dynamic player at the plate and in the field. After all, it was a spectacular defensive play that sent Chavis to the IL in the first place. Having him back could not only give guys like Brock Holt and Marco Hernandez a rest but it could also give AC another spark off of the bench.
When he was first called up to join the Red Sox he went on an absolute tear and found himself included in Rookie of the Year conversation. A few slumps and now this stint in the IL have frozen those talks right in their tracks. The sample size that we did get from his first year in the majors (.254/.322/.444/.766/18 HR/ 58 RBI) is promising for his future in Boston.
Going forward for the Red Sox, Chavis offers a major boost to multiple positions as he’s equipped to play first, second and third base. In fact, he’s made appearances at all three spots this season and gives Cora plenty of options going forward into 2020. If he can continue to improve his plate discipline then he may find himself as the next big Boston superstar.
Next. Another loss has Red Sox grasping for hope. dark
Over the years we’ve seen promising young players like Xander Bogaerts, Mookie Betts, and Rafal Devers all evolve into strong and confident players for the Red Sox. Michael Chavis has displayed those same dynamic qualities as well as the work ethic to continue growing into his role within this organization. If he can continue down the path he’s currently on then he just may go down as a Boston great.