The Boston Red Sox are off to a solid start this season thanks to their starting rotation and some help from newcomer Tyler O’Neill. The outfielder slugged two home runs – including an MLB record fifth straight on Opening Day – in Boston’s four-game split in Seattle.
O’Neill talked about how it feels to be a part of the Boston Red Sox while appearing on the Audacy original podcast “Baseball Isn’t Boring” this week.
“The boys here have been awesome and it feels like I’ve been here forever just the way everyone’s treated me. I just want to continue that” O’Neill said. “Got a lot of good work in spring training, lot of good reps out there, just want to stay right there and take it for 160 games. Whatever happens happens. The less you think the better.”
It only took O’Neill a few spring training games to feel like he was a real part of his new squad.
“Probably a couple games in,” he said. “I just want to wear the uni a couple times, get a couple knocks, find a couple barrels, catch a couple balls out there. Just feel like I’m a part of the team in that way. Falling into the pattern of the game. For me, I don’t try to think too much.”
O’Neill spent the first six years of his career with St. Louis but feels right at home in Boston after being traded in early December.
“Socially, it’s really easy. These guys are awesome,” O’Neill continued. “Staff down to the players, front office, everyone’s been awesome.”
O’Neill and the Red Sox are now in Oakland for a three-game set against the lowly Athletics before traveling to Anaheim to take on the Angels this weekend. O’Neill is set to make his Fenway Park debut next week against the Orioles.