Red Sox: Xander Bogaerts setback creates opportunity for Christian Arroyo

Christian Arroyo gets a chance to shine for the Boston Red Sox

Christian Arroyo is one of several versatile infielders vying for a spot on the Boston Red Sox bench to open the season. While he still has an uphill battle to prove himself, a setback to a teammate has created an opportunity for Arroyo to make a strong impression.

According to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, Alex Cora revealed on Monday that shortstop Xander Bogaerts is dealing with a sore shoulder that will delay his spring training debut. The manager explained that the shoulder is a “a little banged up,” the result of rushing through his throwing program in an effort to make up for lost time following an unusual offseason where his training was limited by lockdowns in Aruba.

The Red Sox are shutting down Bogaerts temporarily but he’ll be back to throwing within a few days and should be able to hit again later this week. The decision seems mostly precautionary and the manager doesn’t sound the least bit concerned with Opening Day still about a month away.

In the meantime, Arroyo is the next man up, getting the start at shortstop for Monday’s spring home opener. He’ll be batting in the lead-off spot, a sign that the Red Sox may want to get him an additional at-bat or two.

Arroyo appeared in Boston’s first game of the spring on Sunday against the Minnesota Twins, going 0-for-2 with a strikeout. He made solid contact on one of his outs though and Cora pointed out the progress he’s made at the plate while crediting Arroyo for his defensive versatility.

"“He made some strides offensively,” said Cora of the 25-year-old. “That’s what everybody feels, right, last year. He’s a good defender at second base. I watched a lot. He’s able to turn the double play but versatility is going to be a factor and he knows it. We do believe he can handle short. He can make all the routine plays and let’s see how much the offense is going to be a part of his game. But yesterday he had two good at-bats, drove one to center field. Physically he’s a lot better than where he was last year."

Arroyo appeared in 14 games for the Red Sox last season, producing a .240/.296/.440 slash line with three home runs and eight RBI. That limited sample isn’t going to earn him a roster spot. Arroyo is out of minor league options so falling short of his pursuit of the 26-man roster to open the season could put his status with the organization in jeopardy.

Uncertainty regarding the workload of their starting pitchers following a shortened season has the Red Sox leaning toward opening the season with 14 pitchers, leaving only three spots for the bench. With one of them reserved for backup catcher Kevin Plawecki, that leaves Arroyo battling with Michael Chavis, Jonathan Arauz, and Yairo Munoz for the final two bench spots.

Arroyo appeared to be on the outside looking in on this position battle but the late start for Bogaerts has created some additional playing time that gives him the chance to prove himself. He might only have a coupe of games before Bogaerts inserts himself back into the picture but Arroyo can improve his stock by taking advantage of this window of opportunity.