Overview
- Alex Cora publicly indicated Roman Anthony will open the season in the leadoff spot and said a Grapefruit League lineup is what he envisions for March 26 in Cincinnati.
- In Sunday’s spring game, Anthony led off as the designated hitter ahead of Trevor Story, Jarren Duran, Willson Contreras, Wilyer Abreu and Caleb Durbin, with Ceddanne Rafaela, Carlos Narváez and Isiah Kiner-Falefa rounding out the order.
- Cora alternated left- and right-handed hitters through the top six and framed Sunday’s card as an early look at his preferred Opening Day alignment.
- Middle-infield decisions remain open, with Marcelo Mayer a candidate to take second base from Kiner-Falefa based on matchups and spring performance.
- Anthony thrived atop the order late last season, hitting .336/.439/.564 with six homers in 132 plate appearances before an oblique injury ended his year on Sept. 2.