Boston Red Sox Confirm Starting Shortstop -- (It's Not Adalberto Mondesi)

Well, this is surprising.

Boston Red Sox's Chaim Bloom confirms that Kike Hernandez will be the team's starting shortstop even when Adalberto Mondesi returns.

Chaim Bloom confirms that Kiké Hernandez will be the starting SS even if Adalberto Mondesi is fully ready for Opening Day.pic.twitter.com/sEMaRkTz3u

— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) January 25, 2023

The Red Sox acquired Mondesi from the Kansas City Royals for pitcher Josh Taylor earlier this week, and the assumption was that Mondesi would no doubt take over as the team's primary shortstop.

The job still remains Kike Hernandez's.

Last season, over 93 games the thirty-year-old Hernandez slashed a poor .222/.291/.338, with six home runs, 45 RBIs and 48 runs scored.  

Mondesi has yet to play a full season in his seven-year career, in fact, he has yet to play more than 102 games in a season. 

Over the last three seasons combined, the twenty-seven-year-old holds a .233/.275/.392 triple-slash line, with 12 home runs, 42 RBIs, 44 stolen bases and 55 runs scored across 109 games. 

The Red Sox will do everything they can to get Mondesi into as many games as possible this season without injury, and perhaps that will involve limited games at shortstop and more at designated hitter.

Still, it's a very surprising update.
Photo Credit:  Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports