The Boston Red Sox open their 2026 season against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, but highly touted rookie Marcelo Mayer will not be in the starting lineup.
The Red Soxâs 2021 No. 4 overall draft pick will start on the bench because manager Alex Cora does not want the left-handed-hitting Mayer to face a left-handed pitcher, according to a report by insider Chris Cotillo of MassLive. The move raises immediate questions about how quickly Boston is willing to trust one of its top prospects.
Who Starts at Second Base for Boston on Opening Day?
Cora said Tuesday that he would likely use Mayer, in what is intended to be the 23-year-oldâs first full season in the major leagues, in a platoon role this season, at least in the early going.
“Cora indicated that Mayer will sit against left-handers, with either Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Andruw Monasterio sliding in at second base against righties,” according to a CBS Sports report. “Back in February, before spring training started, Cora envisioned Mayer playing against all starters, but it appears that won’t be the case to start the season.”
When the Red Sox posted their official starting lineup to face Reds southpaw Andrew Abbott, Kiner-Falefa was listed at second base, batting seventh in an order topped by last yearâs rookie sensation Roman Anthony. Designated hitter Jarren Duran, batting third, and right fielder Wilyer Abreu in the sixth spot were the only three left-handed batters in the Boston lineup.
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