Bobby Poyner has been one of the better relievers for Boston, posting four scoreless innings over three appearances, striking out six.
BOSTON — Bobby Poyner’s Red Sox career got off to an odd start, after Alex Cora elected to warm up the young left-hander in the first game, but decided it was best he didn’t enter the game, even with Joe Kelly getting himself in trouble.
Then Poyner came in the Red Sox’ third game of the season, giving up a solo home run over his quick outing that lasted only two-thirds of an inning.
Since then, he’s been one of the better relievers for Boston, posting four scoreless innings over three appearances, striking out six. Most notable was his two-inning outing in the Red Sox’ walk-off win in the home opener, where he struck out three and gave up one hit, earning his first win at the big league level.
Given he continues to get opportunities, throwing in four of the Red Sox seven games this season, it appears Cora’s gained confidence in Poyner. But the Red Sox manager would argue his faith in the reliever hasn’t changed.
“I don’t if it’s growing confidence, just because I decided not to pitch him (in) his first big league game with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth inning didn’t mean I didn’t trust him,” Cora said. “It’s just ... I think it’s common sense. You don’t want to put him in that spot. He got up, he felt the pressure and we move on. The next day was a full go. I have full confidence in him.”
With Poyner finding success early success and several other relievers on the team struggling early, he’ll continue to get more opportunities. Three of his four appearances have come after the seventh inning, and all four have been in two or one-run games.
Which begs the question, “Can and will Bobby Poyner turn into the Red Sox setup man?”
“I kind of just try to make my pitches in whatever situation they put me in,” Poyner told the Standard-Times. “Whenever they put me in (the game) I feel like I’m just going to continue my game plan and go from there.”
Taking on big league hitters is still a bit of an adjustment for Poyner, as it would be for any rookie pitcher. But he seems at ease, based on the fact this isn’t the biggest jump in competition in his career.
“Well you definitely notice a big difference (with) the hitters in the big leagues versus double-A,” Poyner said. “But I think my toughest transition was high-A . . . I went from low-A to high-A in May of my first year, and (in) those three months in high-A my stats weren’t very good.
“That was when I made my biggest adjustments and transitions as a pitcher as far as my changeup and how I pitch with my fastball. That was my kind of learning curve, in high-A actually.”
Sticking with similar lineup: Aside from Sandy Leon catching Rick Porcello, the Red Sox lineup had a familiar feel to it on Saturday.
The same seven position players who started on both Opening Days – in Tampa on March 29 and in Boston on Thursday – were on the card, along with J.D. Martinez serving as the designated hitter. Xander Bogaerts remains the only player yet to enjoy a day off, playing his eighth straight game at shortstop.
"We were able to rest (Eduardo) Nuñez and Hanley (Ramirez) and (Rafael) Devers – I think everybody except Xander – during that road trip,” Cora said before Thursday’s game. “Mission accomplished. Now, with the off days, it’s going to be difficult.”
Boston will be idle again Monday before hosting the Yankees and Orioles over the home stand’s final seven games. Patriots’ Day against Baltimore also serves as getaway day, with the Red Sox headed for the West Coast after the traditional 11:05 a.m. first pitch.