Justin Turner takes reps at first base, offering depth behind Triston Casas
New Red Sox designated hitter Justin Turner comes into camp bringing a new voice to the clubhouse and some versatility in the infield.
The 38-year-old infielder will provide depth at first base behind rookie Triston Casas. Turner hasn’t played first base since 2016 has begun to take grounders at first this spring.
“It’s just reps and getting out there in the game,” Turner told the media on Thursday, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “You can take a million ground balls, but you know, as soon as you get out there in the game there’s probably going to be something that happens that you haven’t experienced. So I have played a little bit and I mean, when I say a little bit I mean a little bit.”
The veteran Turner has played 14 complete games at first base. He has started 25 games there.
“I feel like I’m a baseball player,” he said. “I feel like I can adapt and I know everything that that first baseman is supposed to do, where they’re supposed to go. So hopefully, it’ll be a quick and easy transition.”
Red Sox manager Alex Cora mentioned his plan for Turner and Casas this season.
“We’ll protect Triston from certain lefties. We’ll protect him from the workload,” Cora said. “Let’s be realistic. He (Casas) hasn’t been able to be on the field that often, especially last year (ankle).
“So we’ll see where we’re at roster-wise March 30,” Cora said. “But getting at-bats for Ref (Rob Refsnyder) is going to be important. So we’ll figure it out. We’ll protect Triston and will give Raffy a few days, although J.T. doesn’t like that idea. He wants to see Raffy play as often (as possible). But playing defense is part of his game too, to keep him engaged. There’s a transition from being a defender and then a DH. It’s not that easy. But he’s up to the challenge. We’ll play him at first some.”
Turner will see the majority of his playing time as the club’s designated hitter replacing J.D. Martinez. He will provide Cora insurance at both corners as the team navigates the 2023 season.
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