The case for Benintendi being on the major league roster is much stronger than the case against it. The Sox came into the season planning on Rusney Castillo being their Opening Day left fielder, with Chris Young coming off the bench to face any and all lefties. Since Opening Day, the left field position has been a revolving door of sorts as we’ve seen Brock Holt, Chris Young, Rusney Castillo, Blake Swihart, Ryan LaMarre, and Bryce Brentz all come take a shot at it. The only two with any success have been Holt and Young. In Holt’s case, he is best used in a super-utility role so he can provide rest for players all around the diamond. As for Young, he suffered a right hamstring injury back in June that has sidelined him ever since. The recent struggles of Bryce Brentz off the bench have motivated the Sox to give Benintendi a shot at playing left field while allowing Brock Holt to reclaim his status as the “Jack of all trades” on the Red Sox bench.
The starting outfield will consist of Benintendi, Bradley, and Betts for years to come. It all starts Wednesday night in Seattle where all eyes will be on the 22 year old Benintendi. As they are for all Red Sox prospects, expectations will be high. The fans need to realize that even if Benintendi does not immediately live up to the hype, it does not mean he is a bust. It always takes time for young players to adjust to a new level, even if some happen to take longer than others. Regardless, the era of the Benintendi-Bradley-Betts outfield is about to be underway. After 13 months of waiting, the future is here.
Jake Perda
@jake_perda_