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.