Alex Cora Explains Red Sox’s Opening Day Lineup Decision originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The only minor surprise in the Boston Red Sox‘s Opening Day starting lineup on Thursday vs. the Cincinnati Reds was Isiah Kiner-Falefa getting the start at second base.
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Cora had said during spring training that Marcelo Mayer was expected to serve as the team’s primary second baseman but would occasionally be on the bench against left-handed pitchers.
That’s the case on Thursday, when the Red Sox face Reds 2025 All-Star southpaw Andrew Abbott.
Boston could’ve also started infielder Andruw Monasterio at second base, who was acquired in a February trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.
“The at-bat, we like. He’s swinging the bat well,” Cora said of Kiner-Falefa, who went 13-for-43 during spring training, according to MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “We can use (Monasterio) later in the game. … It’s strategy. So we’ll see how it plays out — when and where they play. But today it was (Kiner-Falefa’s turn.)”
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Though the sample sizes are relatively small, Monasterio went 12-for-44 with a .273/.360/.477 slash line against lefties in 2025, while IKF was 27-for-119 with a .227/.250/.286 triple slash vs. southpaws last season.
Cora also discussed his general strategy when it comes to the Red Sox’s infield to begin the campaign.
“We’re good with (Monasterio at shortstop),” the manager said, per Smith. “Trying to avoid moving Marcelo too, but he can play short, too. We’re going to try to stay as consistent as possible — Caleb (Durbin) at third, Trevor (Story) at short, Marcelo at second most of the time and Willson (Contreras) at first. And hopefully defense is more consistent that way.”
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