Red Sox Shuffle Lineup, Hoping Durbin Can Spark Offense

Manager Alex Cora makes counterintuitive move by hitting Caleb Durbin second in the lineup.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color representing the dynamic action on the field.Cora's lineup shuffle aims to reignite the Red Sox's sputtering offense through Durbin's disciplined approach at the plate.Boston Today

In a bid to jumpstart the Red Sox's struggling offense, manager Alex Cora has moved Caleb Durbin up to the second spot in the lineup. Durbin, who has a low strikeout rate but has been mired in a slump to start the season, will look to set the table for the heart of the order. Cora believes Durbin's disciplined approach at the plate can help the team regain control of the strike zone and start generating more offense.

Why it matters

The Red Sox have gotten off to a slow start offensively, and Cora is hoping that Durbin's high-contact, low-strikeout profile can provide a spark at the top of the order. Improving the team's plate discipline and ability to control the strike zone is seen as a key to getting the offense back on track.

The details

Durbin entered Saturday's game batting just .103 with more strikeouts (8) than hits (4), and an on-base percentage of .186 that ranked among the worst in the majors. However, his strikeout rate of 19% was better than all of the Red Sox's regular starters except Ceddanne Rafaela. Cora believes Durbin's ability to avoid chasing pitches outside the zone can help set the tone for the offense.

  • Durbin had his second consecutive game batting second on Saturday night against the Cardinals.
  • The Red Sox are currently in the midst of a series against the Cardinals, which runs from April 11-13.

The players

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who made the decision to move Caleb Durbin up to the second spot in the lineup in an effort to spark the team's struggling offense.

Caleb Durbin

A Red Sox infielder who has been mired in a slump to start the season, but has shown a disciplined approach at the plate with a low strikeout rate.

Ceddanne Rafaela

A Red Sox outfielder who has the lowest strikeout rate among the team's regular starters.

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What they’re saying

“He's not chasing," Cora said. "When you start doing that, good things are going to happen, and that's the reason he's hitting second.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

“It's what we need to do. We have to control the strike zone, we have to take our walks when they pitch around you," Cora said. "That's how good things start happening. . . . To get going offensively, you have to chase less. Keep it simple. But obviously that guy on the mound is trying to do a job too. It's not that easy.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue their series against the Cardinals on Sunday, with Roman Anthony likely returning to left field. The team is also awaiting an update on the status of first baseman Triston Casas, who is currently shut down with an oblique issue.

The takeaway

The Red Sox are searching for ways to jumpstart their struggling offense, and Cora's decision to move the disciplined Durbin up in the lineup is a counterintuitive but potentially impactful move. If Durbin can set the table and help the team regain control of the strike zone, it could provide the spark the Red Sox need to get their season back on track.