Andruw Monasterio has been an absolute firecracker for the Boston Red Sox, but his playing time is somehow about to take a hit. Seriously, what are we even doing here? With Trevor Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa (IKF) nearing their returns from rehab, it looks like Monasterio, who’s been tearing it up, is headed for a major role change. You gotta wonder if the front office is even watching the games.
This Guy’s Earned His Spot, Period.
Let’s just look at the cold, hard facts. Since July 1, Monasterio has ripped his way to the third-best OPS on the entire team. The dude took over as the everyday shortstop on July 22, and from that moment on, he’s been slashing an insane .298/.358/.404. We’re talking 20 RBI and eight extra-base hits in that short span. He’s not just filling in; he’s producing, making critical plays, and quite frankly, he’s earned every single at-bat he’s gotten. You simply cannot argue with those numbers. Chad Tracy, the manager, even acknowledged his incredible play, saying, “He’ll still play… It’s hard to deny… The way he’s swung the bat against both left and right, you can’t deny that or ignore it.” Amen!
“I Play Whatever They Want,” Says the Guy Who Should Be an Everyday Starter
Despite his undeniable performance, Monasterio himself is taking the potential demotion with a level head that’s almost too humble for his own good. “I know what my role is,” Monasterio told The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey. “At the beginning of the season, I played DH, first base, second base , I don’t have any issues with that. I know what my role is.” He even recalled that Story was the shortstop in spring training. “I don’t want to be mad or I don’t want to be upset if they make that decision. They are the front office, they are the coaches, they make the decision. They pay me to play, I play whatever they want.” That’s the kind of team-first attitude you love to see, but come on, you want your best players playing! His versatility to play DH, first, second, third, and short does give Tracy options, and Tracy has said Monasterio will keep earning starts, potentially at second base. But that’s not enough!
The short-term path for Monasterio might involve more designated hitter time, especially with Masataka Yoshida injured. However, even that spot could be snatched away if Roman Anthony returns and the team shoves Jarren Duran into the DH role, despite Duran not really earning it. Look, Monasterio is clearly going to find ways to get some at-bats in the immediate future. But if Story comes back and hits anything like he did before getting hurt, Monasterio’s plate appearances are going to dry up fast. And when Curtis Mead is ready to return? Monasterio might be riding the bench more often than not. What a waste of a hot bat.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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