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Cora Leans on Connor Wong as Red Sox Catcher Job Turns Into a Competition

Cora’s matchup choices point to a hot-hand plan that could soon demand a firm call.

Overview

  • Connor Wong drew a third straight start at catcher Saturday, extending a shift from the spring depth chart that had favored Carlos Narváez.
  • Pressed on whether Narváez is still the No. 1 catcher, Alex Cora said, "He's a catcher for the team — both of them," declining to set a pecking order.
  • Boston is splitting the role by matchup, with Wong starting against left-hander Tarik Skubal and Narváez expected to catch the next game.
  • The early numbers drove the change, as Narváez is batting .195 with no extra-base hits and 14 strikeouts in 12 games, while Wong is at .381 with four doubles and has reached in all seven of his starts.
  • Narváez remains the stronger defender, and Wong’s bat has jumped after last year’s hand injuries and October surgery, creating pressure for a clearer, possibly permanent decision if these trends hold.