The Boston Red Sox acquired Caleb Durbin in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, but there is still no confirmation on whether he will be playing third base or second base.
Durbin ended up being the Brewers' starting third baseman last season. However, the Red Sox also have the option of playing Marcelo Mayer at third base, after he impressed there defensively last year. Durbin has been spending time doing drills at third base in spring training, and Mayer has been at second.
That will change on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey. McCaffrey reported that Durbin will play second base today, even though he is still listed at third base in drills. Mayer will remain at second.
Interestingly, the Red Sox are starting to give Durbin looks up the middle without moving Mayer to get work at third base. Is this a sign that Mayer is locked in at second base? It could be. However, it could also be the Red Sox's way of easing both players into getting comfortable at both spots.
The Red Sox have noted that they want both players to stick at one spot for long periods at a time to help develop muscle memory. Mayer came up as a shortstop, and Durbin has plenty of experience at second base in the minor leagues. Both players have big league experience in the hot corner.
Both Durbin and Mayer are capable of playing both positions in the big leagues. The decision will likely come down to which alignment gives the Red Sox the best overall infield defense. In his limited time last season, Mayer looked like he had the makings to become an elite defender at third base.
However, he may be an even better defender at second base, and Durbin is more than capable of playing sound defense at third base. The situation remains one to monitor.
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