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Why Jahmai Jones is Batting Leadoff for Red Sox
Why Jahmai Jones is Batting Leadoff for Red Sox
Why Jahmai Jones is Batting Leadoff for Red Sox originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jahmai Jones immediately endeared himself to the Fenway Park faithful with a home run in his first game as a member of the Boston Red Sox.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat was Saturday, and so on Sunday, Jones is in the leadoff spot of the Boston batting lineup, slotted in as the designated hitter.
It might catch some fans by surprise. Jones isn't known for his speed, and the Red Sox have already relied on a number of different players in the leadoff spot this season.
It actually makes a ton of sense to bat Jones first given the matchup at hand, though.
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Why is Jahmai Jones batting leadoff?
Jones is batting leadoff as the DH because he was brought to the Red Sox with one job: Hit well against left-handed pitching.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOn Sunday, the Rays are starting a potent southpaw, Shane McLanahan. Jones was certainly going to be in the lineup somewhere.
So why bat him leadoff? To maximize opportunity.
The higher up Jones hits in the order, the more chance he gets to face the lefty starting pitcher three times.
Boston manager Chad Tracy also puts more pressure on the Rays to make a pitching decision after two times through the order. Do they leave McLanahan in to face Jones again, or do they go to a right-handed reliever? A move to a righty likely would bring in a strong lefty-swinging pinch-hitter for Boston, too.
It's a front-foot sort of managerial move from Tracy, while also adding to positive vibes while rewarding Jones for a great Boston debut.