Red Sox’s Alex Cora Comments On Roman Anthony’s Defense Amid Shaky Start originally appeared on NESN.
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The Boston Red Sox have five very talented outfielders, capable of playing every day, but some are better defenders than others.

Roman Anthony has started the last two games as a designated hitter, after getting four starts in left field on the opening road trip. Jarren Duran has been playing in left field, and Alex Cora noted on Saturday that it is because the Red Sox prefer Duran’s defense to Anthony’s at this point in time. According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, Alex Cora said before Saturday’s game that Anthony’s footwork has been “off” in left field.

“There’s a few things we have to be better (with) defensively,” Cora said, “and the kid (Anthony) knows it. The other day, there was a play where (Carlos) Correa was at second and there was a base hit to left and we have to throw him out. He knows it. We have to improve. It’s not only him. It’s everybody.”

Anthony is still going to be an everyday player, but it’s clear his defense needs to improve. However, the Red Sox have the luxury of the designated hitter spot and having a player like Duran who can be an everyday player in the outfield.

Anthony’s throwing arm has also been a hot topic among fans early in this season. He has had a couple of throws that have taken some hops on their way to home plate. He was charged with an error on a throw in the ninth inning. The error came on the same play where the San Diego Padres took the lead to end up winning the game.

Anthony will continue to work on his defense, but in the meantime, Jarren Duran could get more run in left field. Cora is comfortable with him there.

“Jarren plays the wall really, really well here,” Cora told Cotillo. “We’ll play him whenever we feel like it out there. There’s stuff we have to improve as a group and that’s part of Roman’s development.”

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