Red Sox Spring Training Update: Trevor Story, Marcelo Mayer, Kenley Jansen

Boston Red Sox coaching staff and reporters predicted great things for Trevor Story this coming season. His spring training presence wasn't exactly meeting those expectations, though ...

... until March 12 against the Cardinals.

Story posted the offensive breakout Red Sox Nation had been hoping for on Tuesday afternoon. Story went 3-for-3 with a two-run homer and an RBI ground rule double.

Red Sox hitting coach Peter Fatse said Story's first healthy offseason in three years marks a big change for his tenure with the Sox. He's now more explosive, and a full winter of practice has given the veteran his best shot at success in the batter's box.

Ceddanne Rafaela also continued his case for the Opening Day roster against the Cardinals. He belted a two-run home run of his own, his third long ball of spring. Rafaela has been regarded as a talented defender who would be able to hit for average with some refinement to his eye, but he's been making a statement in the batter's box this spring. He's posted five extra-base hits in 13 games.

Trevor Story and Ceddanne Rafaela shine for Red Sox against Cardinals, Brayan Bello struggles

Boston's pitching didn't fare too well against St. Louis, though. The freshly extended Brayan Bello logged his first loss of the spring — he allowed six hits, one of them a homer, four earned runs and two walks, to the tune of a 6.75 ERA for the day.

But this is what spring is for. Bello has the weight of the world on his shoulders as the 24-year-old ace for his club's rotation. He has time to find his footing and put up some improved numbers before he's expected to take the mound for a game that counts.

Marcelo Mayer made Red Sox Grapefruit League debut

One of the Red Sox's most highly esteemed prospects made his spring training debut against the Pirates on March 11. Marcelo Mayer finally cracked the roster, and his presence did not disappoint.

Mayer posted a double in his first and only plate appearance for Boston. He also made some smooth plays at shortstop.

Sox fans are thrilled to finally get a look at Mayer against big-league players. He's been one of Boston's top prospects for years and some injuries have set his development back. Many hoped that Mayer would be able to make his big-league debut this season, and while he'll begin the campaign in the minors, there's a shot he could appear for the Sox later in the year.

Kenley Jansen's possible Red Sox spring debut March 15

After being slow-played for the first few weeks of spring training, Kenley Jansen is approaching ready for his first appearance of spring training.

Jansen has been battling lat soreness since the beginning of spring training, which could have played a part in the slow decrease in trade rumors for the veteran.

He has been steadily ramping up his throwing program and the next step is game action. His suggested debut date is Friday, March 15 against the Twins, which will leave him just two weeks to get ready for Opening Day in the Pacific Northwest against the Mariners.

With Jansen back in the lineup, the experienced back end of Boston's bullpen will be intact, especially if Chris Martin can be ready by Opening Day.

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