All spring, the Red Sox have made clear that nothing will be handed to Marcelo Mayer.
On multiple occasions, manager Alex Cora has suggested Mayer is being offered a baton to win an Opening Day lineup spot but that it’s up to the 23-year-old to take it and run. On Sunday, Cora reiterated that Mayer isn’t guaranteed a spot in Cincinnati on March 26.
If such statements are meant to provide motivation, Mayer suggested the push is unnecessary. He is owed nothing and wants to win a role.
“This is the big leagues. Everybody is coming for everybody’s job,” he said. “I’m just grateful for this opportunity. There’s a lot of people that wish they wish they were in my shoes and given an opportunity to compete for a big league spot in an organization like this. This is the Boston Red Sox. I don’t think anything should be given to anybody. I want to earn the chance to play for this team. I want to earn the right to face lefties. And I know that that I’m going to show that.”
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