Shane Victorino hit exclusively from the right side (his natural side) down the stretch in 2013 and for the limited time he was on the field last year, but he decided to go back to switch-hitting this spring. However, he has already had a change of heart about it.
Victorino to abandon switch-hitting again because of soreness when he hits from left side. #RedSoxTalk
— Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) March 21, 2015
Anything the Red Sox can do to keep Victorino on the field is a good idea, but this is probably the best way to go regardless of his health. The 34-year-old has underproduced from the left side against right-handed pitching for quite some time now.
If healthy, Victorino projects to be the starting right fielder for the Red Sox this season. Mookie Betts and Rusney Castillo are currently competing for the starting center field job. It’s hard to count on Victorino holding up for a full season at this point, so chances are whoever loses that battle will still end up getting plenty of playing time.