When the Red Sox take the field for Opening Day at Fenway Park on Thursday, they do so without Bobby Dalbec, who had spent most of the last two seasons as the team’s everyday first baseman.
Over the course of 18 spring training games, Dalbec posted .235 batting average and a .304 on-base percentage. Dalbec was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Monday, to make room for World Baseball Classic hero Yu Chang.
Dalbec was also optioned to Worcester last September in favor of Triston Casas, who got the start at first base in Thursday’s home opener.
The demotion was tough for the 27-year old, who felt he played well enough to secure a roster spot.
“I'm just gonna take it one day at a time,” Dalbec said. “I felt like I played well enough to be on the team, but obviously with how the rosters shake out it is what is… I just gotta keep controlling what I can, and I felt like I did a good job of that.”
Alex Cora did mention Dalbec will likely be back up with the big league club at some point this season.
“He’s going to be part of it at one point… For us to accomplish the things that we are set to do, it’s more than 26 guys,” Cora said. “Bobby’s still a good player… He’s just gotta be ready, and whenever we call his name, if we need it, just be ready to come here and contribute.”
Dalbec brings some great versatility, as he has played both first and third base for the Red Sox, and says he will be getting some work at shortstop and middle infield, as well as some corner outfield in Worcester.
“I feel like right now, in this organization, my role at this point would be a utility role,” he said. “So I’ll embrace that completely and work down here to get good at that.”
Dalbec views his time in Triple-A as a chance to build on what he's already good at, as well as get some reps in at different positions.
“(Cora) has mentioned a few times just to continue to be aggressive and not try to do too much,” Dalbec said. “For me, it’s getting better at what I’m already good at, and obviously getting more used to shortstop in the middle and maybe working some corner outfield at some point.”
Dalbec and the Worcester Red Sox will play their season opener at home against the Syracuse Mets at 4:05 p.m. on Friday.