The Boston Red Sox acquired Caleb Durbin in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers this offseason, but they are not sure whether he will play third base or second base this season.
Marcelo Mayer figures to man the other spot, and so far in camp, it has been Durbin at third and Mayer at second. That infield alignment is not confirmed, but that has been how things have looked early in camp. According to The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey, Durbin was supposed to get reps at second base on Thursday, but Alex Cora told MLB.com's Ian Browne that Durbin was at third base today. However, his reps at second base are coming.
"We had cutoffs and relays, so we kept [Durbin at third]," Cora told Browne. "He’ll take grounders tomorrow at second base."
Durbin has plenty of experience at second base, albeit in the minor leagues. He spent almost all of his time with the Brewers at third base, which is also where Mayer spent most of his time in the big leagues last season.
Both players are capable of playing both spots at a high level defensively, but the Red Sox still need to make a decision. They will likely make a decision sooner rather than later, however. It's unlikely Cora lets this drag out until opening day. Neither player is playing in the World Baseball Classic, so they will be available for Cora to see for the duration of camp.
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