The Boston Red Sox made some moves to fine-tune their lineup before MLB's latest Opening Day of 2024 at Fenway Park. Boston swapped two players trending in opposite directions.
Bobby Dalbec was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on the night of April 8. Dalbec did not get on base once in his six games with the Red Sox. He struck out six times in nine plate appearances.
Dalbec made the team out of spring training after manager Alex Cora suggested over the winter that it may be Dalbec's year. He made three starts for Boston once the season started — one at first base, one at third base and one as the designated hitter — but he couldn't stick in any of those spots.
Boston called up Romy González on the morning of April 9. Not only does González have greater defensive versatility and speed than Dalbec, he's been on a hot streak to start the season.
Red Sox called up Romy González after optioning Bobby Dalbec to Worcester on April 8
The #RedSox today recalled infielder/outfielder Romy Gonzalez from Triple-A Worcester.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 9, 2024
In seven games with the Woo Sox, González has nine hits which include three homers, two triples and a double. He's posted 10 RBI, two walks and a stolen base and six strikeouts in 28 at-bats.
Fans and reporters debated why Boston didn't call up González to fill Trevor Story's vacancy in the lineup after he dove for a line drive and came up with a shoulder subluxation. Cora admitted that the Sox preferred David Hamilton in the lineup because bats lefty and González is right-handed. But calling up González to fill a gap in the roster that Dalbec wasn't meeting is a smart move.
González will begin his first game with the big-league club on the bench and Hamilton will get the start at shortstop. González can play outfield or infield, so Boston could potentially use Ceddanne Rafaela at shortstop and send González to the pastures.
The Red Sox made a wise swap to polish off their roster for their home opener. It won't be easy to get the best of the Orioles and Corbin Burnes and selecting hotter bats will give them the best chance for success against a fierce division rival.