Grapefruit League action has just started down at spring training in Florida, but the Boston Red Sox's newest additions have already begun making their cases for the Opening Day roster.
Boston's longest offseason pursuit, Alex Bregman, may have already been a lock for a start on March 27 in Arlington, Texas, but his first spring training game must've assured the Red Sox that their waiting game was well worth it. Bregman debuted for the Sox on Feb. 23 and did so loudly.
The veteran infielder went 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Boston's 8-7 loss against the Blue Jays. Bregman's third and final hit of the day was inches from clearing JetBlue Park's Green Monster for the second time but landed on the top of the wall for a towering double.
Bregman's career numbers at Fenway Park are outstanding (.375/.490/.750, 1.240 OPS) and he gave fans an early look at what they hope he can bring to the lineup all season. Boston's marquee pitching addition, Garrett Crochet, did the same against the Blue Jays.
Alex Bregman, Garrett Crochet show out in Red Sox debut, Jarren Duran sidelined with calf soreness
*AHEM*
— Red Sox (@RedSox) February 23, 2025
Alex Bregman with a 2-run shot! pic.twitter.com/2VYq3rCGJ4
Crochet got the start on Sunday and posted 1.2 scoreless innings. He gave up three hits but fanned four batters in his short Red Sox spring training debut and made it look easy with his blazing velocity.
Sox fans got to see Boston's two newest stars in action but missed out on 2024's biggest breakout player in Sunday's action. Jarren Duran was scratched from what was supposed to be his 2025 Grapefruit League debut with calf soreness.
Duran is the latest on a list of multiple Red Sox injuries. Luckily, the team does not expect his ailment to linger long-term. Boston's manager Alex Cora said he expects Duran to be ready to play sometime during the week of Feb. 23.
Top outfield prospect Roman Anthony batted leadoff and played left field in Duran's stead. He went 1-for-3 with an RBI on the day.