Why the Red Sox starting Masataka Yoshida against the Yankees was actually bad news for Jarren Duran

TL;DR

The Boston Red Sox lost 4-0 to the New York Yankees, starting Masataka Yoshida over Jarren Duran. Yoshida's performance indicates a shift in the team's outfield strategy, highlighting Duran's struggles.

Key points

Red Sox lost 4-0 to Yankees in season opener
Masataka Yoshida started at DH over Jarren Duran
Yoshida is having the best season of his career
Duran struck out in his pinch-hitting appearance
Yoshida's performance indicates a shift in team strategy

Boston Red SoxNew York YankeesMasataka YoshidaJarren Duran

Why the Red Sox starting Masataka Yoshida against the Yankees was actually bad news for Jarren Duran originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Yesterday, the Boston Red Sox suffered a huge loss once again, losing their season opener against the New York Yankees in a shutout, 4-0. However, Boston did subtly let fans know their feelings on their outfield logjam through how they handled the game against their eternal rivals.

Instead of their usual starters, the Sox chose to let Masataka Yoshida start at DH, and benched Jarren Duran. While Yoshida went 0/4, Duran did no better when he came in to pinch hit; he struck out to end the game. The big thing is though Yoshida being put above Duran speaks volumes, especially now.

Yoshida is blazing hot. Duran is freezing cold

At the moment, Yoshida is having the best season of his career, slashing .324/.477/.412/.889 with three doubles, and five RBI. This is much better than his career averages of .283/.342/.425/.766. If he’s finally breaking out, getting more time as a starter is crucial.

Duran, on the other hand, is slumping hard. He’s hitting a pitiful .164/.243/.254/.497 with three doubles, one home run, and an RBI in 17 games played. Last season he was good, but he clearly regressed a little.