Red Sox: Eduardo Nunez continues as dominance with another three hit game

The Boston Red Sox haven’t had the best luck as far as trades or acquisitions have gone over the last couple years – Eduardo Nunez has one of the bright spots

When we think about the biggest acquisitions that have flopped in recent Red Sox history, we remember Carl Crawford who signed a monster 7 year $142 million dollar deal back in 2011 and Pablo Sandoval who also signed a 5 year $95 million dollar deal in 2015. The few bright spots? Trading for Chris Sale before the season started and later trading for Eduardo Nunez right before the deadline have resurrected the team.

We can slowly try to forget about the Travis Shaw for Tyler Thornburg deal although that will likely take some time especially considering how great Shaw has been this season. Nunez had been on a roll before coming over to Boston for two minor leaguers. His roll continued as his role increases with the team. He went 3/5 last night with a single and a pair of doubles. What began as a utility spot has now turned into a starting one.

How can you take someone like that out of the line up? Obviously, you can’t. It’s his fourth multi hit game this month. Twice he’s had three hits. He’s now 11/28 giving him a .395 batting average with two home runs and seven runs knocked in along with one stolen base. It’s also his 2nd game this month with two doubles and the third in his last seven games. Is this the beginning of Eduardo-Two-Bags? Could it be?

One thing is for sure, when Dustin Pedroia gets healthy enough to be the 2nd baseman regularly once again, where does Nunez figure to play? Hanley Ramirez is day to day. Nunez can’t play 1st base, but could play the corner outfield spots. Rafael Devers is handling 3rd base now. There’s no way that Mookie Betts is getting taken out of the line up anytime soon so that’s out.

Jackie Bradley Jr. hasn’t been doing great and Andrew Benintendi has finally found his stride once again. If Bradley needs a day off, Betts or Benintendi could shift into center allowing Nunez to play the outfield. Until Hanley comes back, Nunez can safely assume a spot in the line up and more than likely will either lead off or bat second.

With Nunez hitting as well as he has, he’s propelled the Red Sox into winning seven straight games and nine of their last 11. There hasn’t seemed to have been a pitcher that can shut him down and it’s shown as Nunez’s batting average continues to climb. As a member of the Red Sox spanning 10 games, Nunez is slashing .422/4/12/3.

The numbers are ridiculous considering he’s got seven multi-hit games including four games with three hits. Hopefully Nunez can continue on his torrid pace that led him to being an All Star in 2016. His batting average will certainly fall and Red Sox fans can only hope that his production continues.

The Sox will face the Rays for game two of a two game series tonight with Rick Porcello taking the hill hoping to get his 6th win on the season but more importantly, to get his squad their 8th straight victory.

 

Phot Credit – Omar Rawlings – Getty Images