Bobby Dalbec finally got off the schneid, ending 0-for-19 skid to begin the season
Red Sox infielder Bobby Dalbec has been scuffling at the plate to open the 2024 season. In his first 20 plate appearances, he was 0-for-19 with a walk and 12 strikeouts.
Dalbec had been hitless in his last 35 plate appearances (0-for-33 with two walks), with his last hit coming on Sept. 26 last season.
During the Red Sox 8-1 win over the Pirates on Friday night, Dalbec drove a 357-foot double to right center for his first base knock of the season.
“I wouldn’t call it a slump, man,” Dalbec said to reporters postgame at PNC Park. “It’s (expletive) 18 at-bats or something. I’ve always been a slow starter, too, which is frustrating. There’s always next year to get off to a hot start. Trying to take my walks and do damage when the opportunity presents itself. I’m not trying to chase hits or get three hits in one at-bat. I’ve been there, and it’s not easy.
“It’s awesome to get on the board with a hit.”
Dalbec spent all of last season with the Worcester Red Sox, with the exception of 21 games he played with Boston. The power-hitting infielder mashed 33 home runs with 79 RBIs and 18 stolen bases for the WooSox.
This year, Dalbec arrived to spring training with the organization having plans for him to be part of the big league club. With Justin Turner in Toronto and the front office’s unwillingness to spend on a veteran free agent hitter, the Washington native is expected to complement Triston Casas and Rafael Devers as backups at their respective positions.
“Bobby’s one of the best defensive third basemen in the organization, if not the best,” said manager Alex Cora. “We know that. We made plays. He had a good game today.”
With his bat silenced to open the season, it hasn’t stopped Dalbec from taking pride in being sound defensively for the club.
“I’m not worried about my bat coming around. Everything feels really good. I’ve felt good throughout this whole thing, too.”
