Connor Wong, acquired by Red Sox in Mookie Betts trade, called up as Kevin Plawecki heads to injured list

One piece of the Mookie Betts trade is set to make his major-league debut this week.

Connor Wong, traded from the Dodgers in last February’s blockbuster deal, was called up on Tuesday as the Red Sox placed backup catcher Kevin Plawecki, who left Sunday’s game against the Royals, on the injured list with a left hamstring strain.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wong will be used in the same way Plawecki was and is likely to start Sunday’s game against the Yankees at Fenway Park. Wong could also be used in the infield or in pinch-running situations.

Wong impressed the Red Sox in spring training, but has struggled at the plate to start the season in Triple-A, slashing .148/.188/.246 in 16 games. But Cora is comfortable with him catching behind the plate.

“There’s a calm behind the plate,” Cora said. “There’s not a lot of emotion. He just goes about his business. He’s a good athlete. His at-bats in spring training, he controlled the strike zone which is very important and we’re very peased with his progress. He hasn’t swung the bat well since he came off the (IL), but that doesn’t matter. We like the player, we know what he can do and hopefully here, working with (hitting coaches) Timmy (Hyers) and Pete (Fatse) and obviously the feedback from Geddy (Rich Gedman) down there, just work on things he has to work and he’ll put a good at-bat whenever we need him.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3xHImp1