Ceddanne Rafaela starting at shortstop in Game 2 against the Rays, why hasn’t he played more?
Ceddanne Rafaela has primarily spent his time in the big leagues from the bench, only starting two games and has been used as a defensive replacement.
Rafaela has played in eight total games, totaling 21 innings between center field and shortstop. The 22-year-old will make his second career start at shortstop in the second game of the series against the Rays from Tropicana Field.
Since his big league debut, he is 3-for-8 with a double, one RBI and one run scored. Rafaela last played the series finale on Sunday against the Royals, playing the final four innings, striking out in his only at-bat.
It’s puzzling that the Red Sox would call up one of their top prospects and not play him. Following the Royals game on Sunday, Alex Cora was asked why Rafaela hasn’t played more?
“He’s going to play,” Cora said. “We’ll find ways to play him. He’s here. He’s a good athlete. He’s a good righthanded hitter. He can play short, too. I think that’s a plus.
“Whenever we don’t play Trevor [Story], he’s going to get at-bats there, and in the outfield when we bring him late in the game to play defense. He’s a good player. We’re very comfortable with him here.”
The Red Sox value Rafaela’s versatility and his ability to play good defense.
“Roster-wise, it makes sense to have him. A versatile guy who can hit and run and play good defense is always welcome,” Cora said.
Boston may consider playing Rafaela at second base in order to get more playing time.
The Curacao native has some experience at second base while playing in the minors. Rafaela has played 24 games at the position while starting 22. All of his professional second base experience came in rookie ball and with Low and High-A.
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