Isaiah Kiner-Falefa’s surge could create tough lineup decisions for Red Sox

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Isaiah Kiner-Falefa’s surge could create tough lineup decisions for Red Sox originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox’s offense has definitely been quite below subpar this season, and is a big reason for a majority of their losses. Their stars who were supposed to be core bats have been slumping, and only a few bats have really been working.

Luckily, Boston was able to call up a couple bats from AAA, and they have been trying to carry the load. However, one bat from the Opening Day roster has gone unnoticed in utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

He’s been on a real hot streak recently, and may need to get in the lineup more often.

Kiner-Falefa is on fire​

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In his last seven games, IKF has been scorching hot. He’s slashing an insane .538/.625/.923/1.548 with two doubles, a home run, and a wRC+ of 321.

This has brought up IKF’s season averages to .276/.344/.362/.706, along with those two doubles, the home run, and 10 RBI in 29 games played.

This statline is better than some top stars of the Sox, including Caleb Durbin, Trevor Story, and Marcelo Mayer, who all play the same positions as IKF.

Durbin and Mayer could be in the hotseat​

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Both Durbin and Mayer have been underperforming since the beginning of the season, and the two along with Roman Anthony were touted as the future of Boston.

However, with Durbin slashing a measly .163/.241/.238/.479 and Mayer slashing .219/.280/.301/.581, their spots in the daily lineup could be questionable.

Although, Durbin has a couple things working for him: he’s a right-handed hitter, which the Sox desperately need in their lineup, and his defense is amazing. This leaves Mayer as someone who may get less time to play when a lefty is on the mound.

IKF’s future looks stable for now​

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Tonight, IKF is in the starting lineup at shortstop over Mayer since Boston’s former lefty ace in Chris Sale is on the mound for the Atlanta Braves. It seems IKF will continue to see increased playing time when lefties pitch, and it will continue until Mayer gets in a groove.

On top of that, he’ll see a lot more time at second base with Trevor Story out, and even upon his return, IKF could keep playing more.

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