It took 21 at-bats, but Boston Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin finally got his first hit of the season in the team’s home opener against the San Diego Padres.
The Red Sox acquired Durbin in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers this offseason after losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs in free agency, but the 26-year-old has struggled early on. Despite his struggles at the plate, the young third baseman is still expected to be a part of Boston’s roster this season.
While speaking with reporters following the Red Sox’s 5-2 victory over the Padres, manager Alex Cora defended Durbin, emphasizing how the sophomore infielder will be OK.
“I’m glad he got the hit,” Cora said postgame on Friday, per The Athletic’s Steve Buckley. “I think everyone was able to breathe, including me, but the kid, he played great at third base, put a good swing there after the weird double play in the first (at-bat). So he’s gonna be OK. He’s a good ballplayer. I think people here are going to love him.”
Durbin impressed in his rookie season with the Brewers, slashing .256/.334/.387 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs, while also being a plus defender at the hot corner.
Though Durbin entered Saturday having begun the season a mere 1-for-22, hitting .045 with an OPS of .132, getting his first hit was a step in the right direction for the 26-year-old. After his success last season, Cora and the rest of the Red Sox have high expectations for Durbin moving forward.
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