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Red Sox's Alex Cora Won't Commit To Marcelo Mayer's Opening Day Status originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora still won't guarantee Marcelo Mayer a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Cora raised some eyebrows when declaring at the start of spring training that Mayer must earn a big-league roster spot. The infielder embraced the challenge by going yard in his first spring game, but he's tallied one hit in three ensuing contests.
Before Sunday's 9-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, per MassLive's Sean McAdam, Cora wasn't ready to say Mayer has won a job.
"I think he's doing a good job," Cora said. "That doesn't mean that he'll break camp with us, but we've been happy with the progression."
Mayer delivered mixed results as a rookie, batting .228/.272/.402 with eight doubles, a triple and four home runs in 44 games. He also struck out 41 times and drew only eight walks in 136 plate appearances, so Cora may want to see an improved plate approach.
Although Boston acquired Caleb Durbin, Alex Bregman's exit creates an infield opening at second or third base. Among the team's other options, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Andruw Monasterio or Nate Eaton seem more fitted for a utility role who can form the short-end of a platoon with the left-handed Mayer.
Whether Cora is motivating Mayer or needs to see more seasoning, the skipper is leaving the door open for someone to beat out the former top prospect for a roster and starting spot.
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