Red Sox's Caleb Durbin Sits Out Tuesday's Game

Andruw Monasterio to start at third base against the Astros

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the dynamic action of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a Red Sox player's at-bat, reflecting the team's early-season struggles to find consistency at the plate.Boston Today

Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin will not be in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Houston Astros. Durbin is hitless through the first four games of the season, and manager Alex Cora has decided to give him a day off to reset. Utility player Andruw Monasterio will start at third base and bat sixth in Durbin's place.

Why it matters

Durbin was expected to be an important part of the Red Sox's lineup this season, so his early struggles at the plate are concerning. This move to sit him for a game could be an attempt to get him back on track and regain his confidence after a tough start.

The details

Durbin, a 25-year-old third baseman, has gone 0-for-12 to begin the 2026 season. Manager Alex Cora has decided to give him a day off on Tuesday against the Astros, with utility player Andruw Monasterio getting the start at the hot corner and batting sixth in the order.

  • Durbin has been hitless through the first four games of the 2026 season.
  • Tuesday's game against the Astros will be the fifth game of the season for the Red Sox.

The players

Caleb Durbin

A 25-year-old third baseman for the Boston Red Sox.

Andruw Monasterio

A utility player for the Boston Red Sox who will start at third base on Tuesday in place of Caleb Durbin.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“Durbin is hitless through the first four contests of the season and will get a game to reset Tuesday in Houston.”

— Chris Cotillo, Reporter

What’s next

Durbin will look to bounce back and regain his starting job at third base after getting a day off on Tuesday.

The takeaway

The Red Sox are taking a proactive approach to help Caleb Durbin get back on track after a tough start to the season. Sitting him for a game against the Astros could provide the reset he needs to get his bat going again and solidify his role as the team's starting third baseman.