Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's spring game against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo has hit in three straight games, but he's struggled overall in Grapefruit League to the tune of a .185 average (5-for-27) with seven strikeouts. The outfielder is expected to play a prominent role in Boston's lineup while hitting out of the No. 2 spot.

Verdugo started in center field, batted second, and went 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored in Friday's spring game against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo's spring debut was pushed back while the outfielder worked on his swing, which he felt wasn't where it needed to be. The Red Sox haven't set a specific spot for him defensively or in the batting order, but he will likely be the primary center fielder while also playing right field, which manager Alex Cora feels is a tougher spot at Fenway Park, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. "In Fenway, I don't know how much value you guys give center field, but I give right field a lot of value," said the skipper. A plan where Verdugo plays center field on the road and right field at home is likely. As for his spot in the order, Verdugo was Boston's primary leadoff hitter in 2020, but Cora wants to see Enrique Hernandez and Franchy Cordero in that role during spring training. However it shakes out, expect to see Verdugo in the upper-third of the order.

Verdugo is expected to make his spring debut Friday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's odd that a key player like Verdugo has not appeared in any of the first four Grapefruit League games, but Boston manager Alex Cora said there's no injury here. Rather, it's merely a matter of Verdugo getting his swing in shape. "He feels like he's not ready for action, although he's been on the back fields facing a lot of guys," Cora said. "I told him not to rush. I think Friday [and] Sunday is pretty good for him." Verdugo was Boston's primary leadoff hitter in 2020, but Cora is getting a good look at Enrique Hernandez in that role, which could push Verdugo into the middle of the order.

Boston manager Alex Cora is considering multiple options to bat leadoff during spring training, including Verdugo, who led off the most for the Red Sox in 2020, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cora talked up Verdugo's stint at leadoff but also mentioned having a few ideas atop the order. He didn't get into specifics, but Franchy Cordero or Enrique Hernandez could bat there. Verdugo had an .804 OPS with 27 runs scored and three stolen bases over 33 games as the leadoff batter.

Manager Ron Roenicke said Verdugo isn't expected to play in Sunday's season finale in Atlanta, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 24-year-old missed a couple games last week with hamstring tightness but returned to start the next five games, though he's 3-for-21 with three runs, three walks and seven strikeouts during that stretch. There's been no indication that Verdugo aggravated the injury, but it appears the Red Sox will express some caution heading into the final game of the season. Assuming he doesn't see the field Sunday, Verdugo will finish 2020 with a .308/.367/.478 slash line, six homers, 16 doubles, 36 runs, 15 RBI and four stolen bases in 53 games.

Verdugo (hamstring) is starting Tuesday against the Orioles, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo missed the final two games of Boston's weekend series after leaving Friday's game with left hamstring tightness. However, the Red Sox had a day off Monday, and Verdugo will return to the starting nine Tuesday as he leads off and plays right field.

Verdugo (hamstring) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Yankees, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 24-year-old was lifted from Friday's contest with left hamstring tightness as a precaution, but he's now missing his second consecutive game. The Red Sox have a scheduled off day Monday, so Verdugo will benefit from two extra days of rest by sitting out Sunday. Per Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe, he won't be available off the bench in Sunday's series finale. Cesar Puello will take over in right field for the Red Sox, batting seventh.

Verdugo (hamstring) won't play Saturday against the Yankees, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo left Friday's game as a precautionary measure due to left hamstring tightness, and the issue will keep him out of Saturday's lineup. It's unclear who will take his place in the lineup after Yairo Munoz (back) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Verdugo was removed from Friday's game against the Yankees as a precautionary measure with left hamstring tightness, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo left Friday's game in the top of the third inning as he was clutching his hamstring, and his initial diagnosis is that he's dealing with hamstring tightness. He should be considered day-to-day until more is known about the injury.

Verdugo left Friday's game against the Yankees in the bottom of the third inning with an apparent hamstring injury, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Verdugo immediately headed to the dugout with trainers after being forced out at third base in the bottom of the third inning. He appeared to be grabbing his hamstring, and he was replaced defensively by Tzu-Wei Lin in the top of the fourth inning. Whether he misses any additional time remains to be seen.