Red Sox are ready and masked up for spring training

Reporter: Zach Oliveri Writer: Melissa Montoya
Published: Updated:
The Red Sox are back, and masked, and ready for spring training. (CREDIT: WINK News)

Face masks. Social distancing. And no fans in the stands for workouts.

This year’s spring training is shaping up to be one of the most unusual in Southwest Florida.

On Monday, the Boston Red Sox held its first full-squad workout at JetBlue Park. The team says the COVID-19 changes are not a huge adjustment, but the new playing and training schedule sure is.

“It’s kind of weird,” said Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox’s shortstop.” I asked one of the guys if fans were allowed to watch us work out and most of the guys said no, it’s not possible.”

Pitchers and catchers, such as former FGCU Star Chris Sale, worked out in the morning.

Then, position players like three-time All-Star J.D. Martinez got their turn in the early afternoon.

(Alex Cora/Red Sox Manager) “We got people all over the place showing up at different times,” said Alex Cora, Red Sox manager. “But I keep saying man feels the same for me. The only difference is you have to wear your mask.”

Those masks are on full display. Some players even wore them during batting practice.

“It’s kind of tough being down here with the mask and stuff right now. So it’s something we got to get used to,” Bogaerts said.

It’s every player’s responsibility to be safe, Gogaerts said.

“Think of the coaching staff, the front office, those are older guys, guys that have a higher age clip than we have,” Bogaerts said. “I know we’re young so sometimes you think you’re invincible or nothing can touch us, you know.”

“Just try to think of them before you do something, I would say, stupid,” Bogaerts added.

Bogaerts said he believes keeping the virus out of the clubhouse is key to a successful season. The Red Sox will continue springs training workouts the rest of the week without fans. But on Sunday, the Red Sox will face the Twins at Hammond Stadium, where 2,400 hundred fans will be allowed inside.

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