Red Sox News: Xander Bogaerts returns to lineup despite hamstring issue

Xander Bogaerts returns for the Red Sox against the Yankees

All of Red Sox Nation collectively held their breath yesterday afternoon as All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts hobbled out of the batter’s box and gingerly made his way down to first base. Boston fans the world over were already disappointed the team and player couldn’t agree to terms on an extension, and now the possibility of an injury added salt to the wound.

After the Red Sox loss, Bogey let everyone know that he wanted to play today and reassured Alex Cora that he’d be ready. Even with his confidence, we all know that a hamstring is nothing to mess with. It may feel better but it doesn’t take much to have a setback and put you on the shelf for the long term.

During today’s pre-game workouts we saw Xander doing some light movement and fielding and eventually, he’d enter the batting cage. It wasn’t long after he took some hacks in practice that the Red Sox lineup finally got announced. Bogaerts will be in the lineup this afternoon as Boston looks to tie things up in the series against the Yankees.

The two sides were supposed to meet up on Thursday and join the rest of the league in Opening Day festivities but thanks to the New York weather, game one of 162 was pushed to yesterday. The Sox got off to a hot start and the offense looked like it was ready to rock. Xander played a big role in the five runs they put up on the board as he would go 3-5 with two runs and an RBI before exiting.

The single that ended Bogaerts’ day in the 10th would break a tie and put the Sox up 5-4. At the time, it felt like Boston was going to squeak out the win after the two heavyweights went toe to toe all afternoon. Again, we all know how the game ended and despite one hell of an effort, it just wasn’t our day. Now we know X is going to be back on the field today and will be looking to avenge yesterday’s loss.

We’ll have to wait and see if the longtime shortstop has a short leash and maybe pulled early if the game is a blowout in either direction. There’s no reason at all to leave him in to risk further injury if the Sox are rolling or are retreating in a massive way. I think we can all guarantee that Alex and his coaches will have a close eye on the hamstring and will be doing their best to check in and read Xander’s body language.

Bogaerts has the ability to opt out of his current contract when this season ends and it’s a guarantee that he’ll do so. Unlike Aaron Judge, Bogey has always expressed his desire to stay in Boston and just wants to be compensated more fairly. The two sides have yet to reach an agreement and now that the regular season has begun, we’re unlikely to see a resolution until the offseason.

There’s a ridiculous amount of money coming off of the books after this season and Chaim Bloom will have plenty in the bank to re-sign Bogey, extend Devers, and pick up a few new toys in free agency. I feel something will get done when the two get together again as we’ve seen a massive amount of support from the front office and ownership to keep Xander here. putting up another All-Star season in 2022 will only further his argument and pad his wallet.

It’s great that Xander is back in the lineup today as I will admit I wasn’t very optimistic this morning. From the little bits, we’ve seen he seems to be moving around alright but any bit of a question can likely get him yanked from the game early. Cora takes care of his guys and he wants Bogey healthy now and in the long run. After a solid first game of the season yesterday I think we can all look forward to X givin’ it to the Yanks today.