Yu Chang close to returning to the Red Sox, will become starting shortstop
The Red Sox are close to getting some reinforcements back off the injured list. Yu Chang has been sidelined since end of April after suffering a broken hamate in his left hand while facing the Orioles. He had surgery three days later to repair the issue.
After a few setbacks, Chang is making good progress and could rejoin the Red Sox later this week.
When Chang returns to the Red Sox, he will become the team’s starting shortstop.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s here with us ay one point this week, said Cora to reporters on Tuesday.
Chang has been with Double-A Portland and will play second base for them on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old’s recovery hasn’t been as smooth, suffering two setbacks while with both the Sea Dogs and WooSox. During both rehab assignments, Chang felt soreness and was sidelined. Both instances were both considered to be minor.
Chang returning to play shortstop should end the revolving door at the position. Kiké Hernández has been a disaster at the position committing 14 errors (13 throwing) and all coming while playing shortstop.
Hernández was stripped of his starting shortstop duties in mid-June but has still played the position due to injuries.
“You get X amount of opportunities to play the position,” Cora said back in June. “You have to make adjustments. Is it late? I don’t know. Maybe, maybe not. We’ve just got to move on.
“I told him this is where we’re at right now and he understands. He played 63 or 64 games and played the majority of the games there. But this is where we are. But at the same time, the game will dictate what we do. Don’t be surprised if he’s there in the ninth inning playing short.”
Pablo Reyes and David Hamilton have also held down the fort but Chang is the better defender of the bunch.
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