Red Sox manager John Farrell announced Thursday that the team's starting third baseman will be Travis Shaw, a former ninth-round draft pick, when the Red Sox face the Indians at Progressive Field to begin the season on Monday.
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Pablo Sandoval's big contract doesn't determine his starting status this season.
Pablo Sandoval strolled into spring training appearing overweight,and now he can keep on walking to the bench.
The skipper has said he'd determine playing time based on performance — not on the five-year, $95 million contract that Sandoval signed before last season.
"For right now to start the season, I feel this is the best for our team to go with this alignment," Farrell told reporters. "My focus is on the guys that are in uniform, not what's attached to them or what their contract states."
Shaw hit 13 home runs in 226 at-bats during his rookie season, but Farrell said it was defense that "became really a decision factor."
"There's better overall range, and Pablo's well aware of this," Farrell said.
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Sandoval struggled last season, and the media speculated about his weight after he arrived at spring training looking out-of-shape.
Before heading to the team's final Grapefruit League game, Sandoval told WEEI.comthat he was "happy" with the decision.
“They made the decision. It’s the right decision to help the team win," Sandoval said. "I’m going to be happy. I’m going to be ready on the bench, get ready for anything. I’m going to get ready during the season to do my job.”