Eck is back
It was just a few days ago when Red Sox manager Alex Cora lumped in Triston Casas as part of his team's defensive shakeup.
Heading into the second game of the Colorado series Thursday, it was determined that the Red Sox would be running out Justin Turner at first base more due to the defensive struggles of their rookie.
"This kid, when he came up last year, we thought he was going to be a good defender," Cora said at the time. "And there’s a few things that he’s not doing. We’re working with him."
Since then, however, Casas has started four of the five games, failing to make an error in 27 chances. He has also notched five hits in his last 17 at-bats, including a two-run double against the Yankees Sunday night.
The consistency on the field might still be an evolving process, but Casas' confidence outside the lines seems firmly in place. At least that's the takeaway after listening to the first baseman with Will Flemming and Sean McDonough after the latest Sox' win.
"I think I'm a difference-maker," Casas on the Red Sox network's postgame show. "I want the ball every single time. I think all the infielders are a little more confident when I'm over there. My size makes a difference and my footwork is immaculate. Those are the things we are working on, just things we are fine-tuning because we are perfectionists in this organization. I think I'm a really good first baseman and in the future my defense is going to be alright."
Casas' batting average is up to .210 with an OPS of .712. The analytics in the field still need more work, however, with the rookie carrying a minus-five in Defensive Runs Saved, last among first baseman.