The Boston Red Sox are eyeing the promotion of prospect Nick Sogard from Triple-A Worcester when the revolving door to the infield opened again on July 31 to welcome the switch-hitter to second base.
It took five more major league road appearances, against the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals, before Sogard officially stepped into the historic batter’s box at Fenway Park for the first time. But patience paid off for the 27-year-old, who has now played 11 games in Sogard’s major league career and spoke of the surreal experience of playing in one of MLB’s most iconic ballparks of all time.
“It’s really hard to put it into words,” Sogard told MLB Network Radio on Thursday. “… That first night at Fenway was probably the coolest moment of my life. Unfortunately, we lost the game, but for me personally, that was a really cool day.”
Sogard did not take the field in his first visit to Fenway Park as a member of the organization’s major league club, but he got a front-row seat in Boston’s dugout to watch a thrilling walk-off double by Rafael Devers against the Seattle Mariners in late July. Red Sox manager Alex Cora highlighted Sogard’s ability to hit from both sides of the plate as the key trait that led to his promotion from Triple-A, though Sogard believes his versatility with the glove stands out and can keep him in the major league locker room.
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“I’m confident I can play an infield position every day, and I also enjoy being in the outfield,” Sogard explained. “I think doing all these different things just keeps me available for a roster.”
With the Red Sox holding onto hopes of securing a wild-card spot in the American League before the postseason begins, Sogard’s value to Boston could become clear at Only the right time if the former Tampa Bay Rays rookie continues to contribute and produce results.
