Dalbec started at first base and went 1-for-1 with a walk and a stolen base in Tuesday's 7-2 loss to the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Sox held primary first baseman Triston Casas on the bench, giving Dalbec his first start since being called up from Triple-A Worcester after Boston placed Adam Duvall (wrist) on the injured list. The Red Sox opted to call up Dalbec instead of center fielder Jarren Duran because they are projected to face several lefties in the coming week and felt Dalbec's right-handed bat was a better offensive fit. At this time, first base is not considered a platoon, although Casas, much like Dalbec the last two seasons, is off to a slow start. He's batting .161 after two hitless at-bats off the bench Tuesday. The Red Sox will see right-hander Taj Bradley on Wednesday, so expect Casas back in the lineup. After Wednesday, Boston is projected to see four consecutive lefties, which means potential starts for Dalbec. At some point next week, the team could replace Dalbec with the lefty-hitting Duran, who could be part of the rotation replacing Duvall in the field.

Dalbec is starting at first base and batting eighth for Tuesday's contest against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Dalbec laced his first hit of the season Monday in a pinch-hit capacity and will now make his first start Tuesday. Boston is slated to face a slew of southpaws over the next several days, so Dalbec could be busy.

Dalbec went 1-for-1 as a pinch hitter then finished the game at first base in Monday's 1-0 loss to the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Dalbec batted for Triston Casas in the eighth inning against lefty reliever Colin Poche for his his first appearance of 2023. He was called up when the Red Sox placed center fielder Adam Duvall (wrist) on the injured list. Dalbec got the call over natural center fielder Jarren Duran, because Boston is expected to see seven lefties in the next eight games, making the righty-hitting Dalbec a better offensive fit at this time, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. However, the team could promote Duran after the upcoming stretch and move Dalbec back to Triple-A Worcester. For now, Red Sox manager Alex Cora plans to rotate Rob Refsnyder, Raimel Tapia and the team's primary shortstop, Enrique Hernandez, in center. When Hernandez starts in the outfield, Cora could use Dalbec as a replacement at short, although Yu Chang is the most likely option.

The Red Sox recalled Dalbec from Triple-A Worcester on Monday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

He's taking the roster spot vacated by Adam Duvall (wrist). Dalbec has started games at first base, third base and shortstop this season at Worcester and could see playing time in the infield if the Red Sox want to use Enrique Hernandez in center field while Duvall is out. He probably won't play enough or hit well enough to be worthy of a fantasy roster spot, though.

Dalbec will join the Red Sox ahead of their upcoming series in Tampa Bay that begins Monday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

After missing out a spot on Boston's Opening Day roster, Dalbec should be activated Monday, but an official move won't be made Sunday. However, the 27-year-old has defensive versatility and would provide depth if Adam Duvall (wrist) requires a trip to the injured list. Dalbec slashed .215/.283/.369 with 12 homers, 40 runs, 39 RBI and three steals over 117 games with the big-league club last year, and the right-handed hitter should have a chance to earn playing time in Tampa Bay since the Rays are slated to start three southpaws during the four-game series.

The Red Sox optioned Dalbec to Triple-A Worcester on Monday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dalbec's demotion likely confirms that Yu Chang has secured the final bench spot on the Red Sox's Opening Day roster as a utility infielder. Though he's long intrigued with his power potential, Dalbec's high strikeout rates and career-long struggles against right-handed pitching make it difficult to envision the 27-year-old serving as anything more than a short-side platoon man over the long haul.

Dalbec will make his fourth consecutive start at shortstop Saturday, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dalbec is producing this spring but doesn't have an everyday home on the diamond. When a player goes 11-for-34 (.324) with three doubles, two triples and a home run, a manager will try to find spots. Dalbec has experience at first and third base and played some shortstop before. "Bobby's a great athlete," manager Alex Cora told Abraham. "He understands what he can do with his body and his internal clock is great. Off-balance throws, double plays... he understands the game and he's a good defender." The biggest question about Dalbec is if he can hit enough to maintain a steady role in the regular season. Over the last two seasons, Dalbec hit a combined .229 over 250 games.

Dalbec went 2-for-2 with a double, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Saturday's spring game against Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Dalbec's had explosive springs that were followed by disappointing results in the regular season, but he talked to Ian Browne of MLB.com about new swing mechanics implemented over the winter. "I spent this offseason just getting that pole-to-pole juice back without having to try too hard," he said. "My swing has way less effort and is way more fluid. That was a big thing I was focusing on." Both of Dalbec's extra-base hits went to right field. He doesn't have a starting job, but a consistently hitting Dalbec could jump ahead of Justin Turner as a the right-handed complement to Triston Casas at first base.

Dalbec will get starts at third base and shortstop during spring training, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dalbec is a forgotten man on the roster. He opened the last two seasons as Boston's primary first baseman, but that job now belongs to Triston Casas while Justin Turner becomes the right-handed complement against tough lefties. With Boston losing third baseman Rafael Devers and shortstop Enrique Hernandez to the World Baseball Classic, Dalbec will get the bulk of reps at either of those spots. The decision is seen as a potential trade showcase for Dalbec, although his value has never been lower. The Red Sox still believe in him and maintained the 27-year-old on the 40-man roster during an active offseason when many players were jettisoned. That Dalbec's under control through 2026 and can be carried at Triple-A Worcester means the team is not in a hurry to trade him.

Dalbec was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

He is not in the lineup against the Yankees but should be available off the bench. Dalbec should occupy the short side of a platoon at first base while also seeing time at designated hitter and as a pinch hitter. He hit .250 with five home runs and 14 strikeouts in 13 games at Triple-A this month.