The Boston Red Sox will play split squad games today with Brayan Bello taking the ball against the Washington Nationals and Nick Pivetta taking the ball against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Red Sox are 4-3 in Grapefruit League play entering today’s games. Connor Wong is back behind the plate today and will be catching Bello against the Nationals, and Triston Casas is making his spring debut and playing first base also against the Nationals.
News from Fort Myers
Lucas Giotlio
Giolito made his second start of the spring yesterday both of which came against the Minnesota Twins. He took the loss yesterday as he gave up four runs on two hits on 2.1 innings; he walked three and struck out one. His first start he looked good going two innings and didn’t allow a run or a hit; he did walk one and strikeout one. His numbers after the two starts now are 0-1 with a 8.31 ERA, a 1.38 WHIP, and two strikeouts in 4.1 innings.
Outfield
Jarren Duran made his spring debut yesterday and he went 0-2 with a strikeout. His first at-bat was a flyout to left field. Ceddanne Rafaela continued to impress at camp, playing in five games and he has a four-game hitting streak. Rafaela is hitting .364 with a .988 OPS; he has one double, one RBI, one run scored, two stolen bases, and three walks. Rafaela’s play he is making a case to be the starting center fielder for the Red Sox come Opening Day.
Justin Slaten
Slaten has looked fantastic for the Red Sox bullpen, he has made three appearances and has not allowed a run and only one hit; he hasn’t issued a walk and has struck out three in three innings of work. Look for him to continue to make a case to be apart of the bullpen when the 2024 season starts.
Vaughn Grissom
Grissom was acquired in the Chris Sale trade with the Atlanta Braves and was expected to be the starting second baseman for the Red Sox on Opening Day. Today Alex Cora reported that Grissom suffered a groin strain this morning and now is questionable to be ready for Opening Day. Grissom had been dealing with a hamstring issue and was expected to make his debut this weekend. With Grissom hurt Pablo Reyes and Enmanuel Valdez will handle second base. Reyes last season played 30 games at second base with a .943 fielding percentage and played in 64 total games, he slashed .287/.339/.377 with a .716 OPS; his best moment of 2023 was a walk-off grand slam against the Kansas City Royals to give the Red Sox a 6-2 win. Valdez played 47 of his 49 games at second base last season for the Red Sox, at the plate he slashed .266/.311/.453 with a .764 OPS; Valdez posted a .959 fielding percentage last season at second base as well.
