FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox manager Alex Cora has not determined what positions Caleb Durbin and Marcelo Mayer will focus on leading into the new season, but he insists a decision isn’t far off.
“The sooner the better,” he said.
That decision could potentially come this weekend once both players have appeared in a game at second base for the club. Caleb Durbin, who was once again penciled in at third base on Tuesday, is scheduled to start at second for the first time on Thursday, Cora said.
Mayer, who is ramping up slowly following last season’s wrist surgery and has yet to appear in a spring training game, is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut on Friday, also at second base.
“He’s doing everything, he’s just adding the velo machine and the Trajekt,” Cora said, referring to the advanced pitching machine that replicates the experience of facing specific pitchers. “He’s doing the Trajekt again today, I think it’s the third time in the last four, so he’ll be ready for games on Friday.”
Gray pitching Saturday
Sonny Gray will make his Red Sox debut on Saturday, Cora announced prior to Tuesday’s game.
One of the club’s most notable offseason acquisitions, the 36-year-old right-hander did not take the mound during the club’s first turn through the rotation. That wasn’t because Gray experienced any kind of setback, however, as Cora joked that Gray was on “the veteran program” and preferred to get his initial work done on the back fields.
Last season Gray posted a 4.28 ERA with 201 strikeouts in 180 2/3 innings with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Crawford, Sandoval behind
Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval, both of whom missed all of 2025 due to injury, have been ramping up more slowly than the rest of the pitching staff. Though they may still be ready for Opening Day, Cora acknowledged that they’re running short on time.
“They’re behind, yes. But trending in the right direction,” Cora said. “I don’t want to get to that point, but it’s getting to March.”
Crawford is scheduled to throw an up-and-down and Sandoval live batting practice within the coming days. Cora added that he was impressed by Sandoval’s last bullpen.
“He threw the ball well the other day,” Cora said. “Velo was up, 94-95, which is eye opening.”
Cora said he still sees both as starters right now.
Injury update
Infielder Anthony Seigler, one of the players acquired alongside Caleb Durbin earlier this month from the Milwaukee Brewers, is battling a knee issue and is currently listed as a non-participant in camp.
“It started in winter ball and the first few days he was feeling fine, but now he’s not,” Cora said.
In addition, non-roster right-hander Osvaldo Berrios is dealing with right shoulder tendinitis and isn’t throwing. Fellow non-roster righty Hobie Harris (forearm soreness) also remains shut down, and Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) is still only playing catch.
