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Boston Red Sox hope Jose Iglesias can bridge the gap

By David Hill

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 6: Jose Iglesias #12 of the Boston Red Sox throws during the eighth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 6, 2021 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 6: Jose Iglesias #12 of the Boston Red Sox throws during the eighth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on September 6, 2021 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Red Sox have been hammered by COVID over the past few days. General manager Chaim Bloom called their outbreak “a bloodbath” when speaking to reporters, a rather hyperbolic phrase, but one that fits given that the Red Sox have 11 players on the COVID list. As they are in the midst of a playoff hunt, they are attempting to find players that could keep the team afloat down the stretch.

The Red Sox signed one of those players on Monday. Jose Iglesias is back for his second tour of duty as he has been signed to a major league deal.

Boston Red Sox hoping Jose Iglesias can help

Iglesias has big shoes to fill. Xander Bogaerts, one of the best shortstops in the game, is amongst those currently sidelined due to COVID protocols. However, even if he does return relatively soon, Iglesias could remain on the roster for the rest of the regular season as virtually anyone that could suit up in the middle infield is on the COVID list.

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After his career best 2020 campaign, Iglesias fell flat for the Angels before being let go. He posted a disappointing .254/.295/.375 batting line in his 447 plate appearances, hitting eight homers and 23 doubles while stealing five bases. Although he has never been known as an offensively minded player, Iglesias’ 82 OPS+ is still disappointing.

Typically, his less than stellar offense is not as much of a drawback due to his excellent glove. In this case, the defense has not been there either. Iglesias had cost the Angels four runs this season, making it so that he just was not providing enough to justify a spot on the roster.

However, for the Red Sox, he is a solid option as a stopgap. His solid glove and contact skills could make him a respectable bridge option until Bogaerts is able to return. He also has some experience at second and third, although he has not appeared at those positions since 2013. Given the Red Sox depth issues, it would not be a surprise to see Iglesias get some playing time outside of short over the next few weeks.

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The Boston Red Sox have brought Jose Iglesias back in an attempt to get through their COVID nightmare. He could stay on the roster for the rest of the year.

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