Alex Cora explains Vaughn Grissom situation
FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Red Sox have officially been faced with their first bit of injury-induced adversity.
Speaking to the media at Fenway South Saturday morning, Red Sox manager Alex Cora revealed that starting second baseman Vaughn Grissom likely won't be ready for Opening Day due to a strained groin muscle.
Grissom hadn't yet played in a spring training game while coming back from an injured hamstring, but was slated to get back in the lineup Saturday against the Nationals.
As for who might slide up to the lead role at second base, Cora mentioned Enmanuel Valdez, with utility player Pablo Reyes serving as another option. Ceddanne Rafaela will, according to the manager, remain in center field despite having experience playing in the middle infield.
"I don't know if he has a leg up, but he is a good second baseman and he can hit," said Cora of Valdez, who played in 47 games at second baseman for the Red Sox last season.