Travis

Shaw

Shaw was released by the Red Sox last April and didn’t end up finding another opportunity. The 32-year-old first baseman split eight seasons in the majors between the Red Sox, Brewers and Blue Jays. He finishes with a .237/.319/.437 batting line with 310 runs scored, 113 home runs, 366 RBI and 20 stolen bases and across 733 big-league contests since 2015.

Shaw was released by the Red Sox way back in April and did not wind up signing with a new team, but the 32-year-old isn’t ready to hang up his cleats just yet. He holds a career .237/.319/.437 batting line in 733 major league games.

The veteran first baseman was designated for assignment earlier in the week. He passed through waivers unclaimed, but instead of accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Worcester, he elected to explore the open market. Shaw went hitless in 19 at-bats with seven strikeouts and no walks during his time with the Red Sox.

The Red Sox made the roster move official prior to Friday’s series opener against the Orioles. Shaw went hitless in 19 at-bats with seven strikeouts and zero walks to open the 2022 campaign. He’ll likely pass through waivers unclaimed and either accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Worcester or elect free agency.

Shaw made the Opening Day roster after returning on a minor league deal but has gone 0-for-19 with seven strikeouts to start the season. Cordero has a .913 OPS with three homers at Triple-A Worcester and has been playing first base there of late, so he figures to spell Bobby Dalbec some at the position.

Martinez tweaked his left adductor Wednesday and has now sat out two straight. There hasn’t been talk to this point about potential injured list stint, but obviously he’ll need to show progress soon. Travis Shaw is in the designated hitter spot, and the Red Sox also have Trevor Story batting leadoff for the second straight day.

The early morning Marathon Monday contest is a tradition unlike any other in Boston, but Story will have to experience it from the bench, at least to open the game. The marquee free agent acquisition has gotten off to a slow start at the plate after missing most of spring training and also dealing with food poisoning last week. It feels like only a matter of time before he gets rolling. Christian Arroyo is at second base on Monday morning in his place. Travis Shaw takes over at first base in place of Bobby Dalbec as well.

As expected, Jonathan Araúz is starting at second base in place of Trevor Story, who remains sidelined due to illness. Dalbec had the go-ahead homer for the Red Sox in Sunday’s victory over the Yankees, but will get the night off on Monday evening. It’ll be Travis Shaw filling in at the cold corner.

Although his bat speed is largely gone, Shaw was surprisingly successful in limited action for Boston last year, hitting .238/.319/.524 in 48 plate appearances. The Red Sox will have him play behind Bobby Dalbec and do some pinch-hitting against righties.

Shaw had the ability to opt-out of his minor league deal with the Red Sox, but has elected to remain with the organization, which seems to signal that he’ll ultimately wind up make the team’s Opening Day roster this week.