MLB Player News

Xander Bogaerts' starting rate has dropped from 86 to 40 percent in the last four weeks, which is fine. He's been in a debilitating slump since about the time the Red Sox moved him from shortstop to third base, batting .078 (6 for 77) in 21 games (going hitless in 15 of them), so you can understand why Fantasy owners would want to try their luck with someone else.

But what concerns me is how his ownership rate has dropped from 95 to 82 during that same time.

Granted, it's your team, and anything that prevents you from running it your way is not in the spirit of Fantasy Baseball ... so, you know, take whatever I have to say however you need to take it. But Bogaerts was as high-end as prospects get coming into the year and, less a month ago, was meeting expectatons and then some with a .299 batting average and .840 OPS. He's eligible at the two weakest positions in Fantasy and is as capable as anyone at either of elevating his game to the highest stratosphere in the second half.

I won't argue this slump has been really bad, almost unbelievably bad, but it's also been fairly short. When a player with his ability lives up to it 75 percent of the time, why focus on the 25 percent of the time he doesn't?

In spite of infielder Xander Bogaerts continued struggles at the plate, Red Sox manager John Farrell told MLB.com the team is not thinking about sending him down to the minors for some more seasoning.

"We haven't even considered that," Farrell said.

Bogaerts entered play Wednesday 0 for his last 19 and 2 for 42 since June 18. He is hitting .242/.322/.366 in 298 at-bats over 80 games during his rookie season. 

The Royals announced Monday outfielder Justin Maxwell and infielder Pedro Ciriaco were designated for assignment. Maxwell hit .150 in 20 games, while Ciriaco hit .213 in 25 games.

Scuffling Red Sox third baseman Xander Bogaerts has been given the day off for the Saturday game in Oakland. Jonathan Hererra is set to man the position.

Bogaerts hasn't had a hit in 12 at-bats since Tuesday. He has also in a 4-for-43 slide that has lowered his average from .299 to .265.

An illness limited Red Sox third baseman Xander Bogaerts to pinch-running duties Sunday, but he was back in the lineup Monday against the Twins. Bogaerts, who will bat second, is hitting .278 with six homers and 18 RBI in 245 at-bats.

Red Sox infielder Xander Bogaerts was not in the team's starting lineup Sunday due to an illness, according to the Boston Globe. 

Bogaerts came to the clubhouse dealing with an illness and will not play. There's hope Bogaerts will be able to return to the starting lineup Monday. He's hitting .278/.366/.429 over 245 at-bats.

Red Sox infielder Xander Bogaerts was not in the team's starting lineup Thursday.

It's a normal day of rest for Bogaerts. Brock Holt will get the start at third base with Bogaerts out. Over 237 at-bats, Bogaerts is hitting .278/.367/.422.

Red Sox infielder Xander Bogaerts won't blame his recent slump on playing third base, according to WEEI.

"I really don’t think so," said Bogaerts when asked about the issue. "It’s just a matter of maybe a bit more work over there at third. I’m not saying I lost my focus on hitting, but sometimes you tend to try to fix things more over there."

Bogaerts is hitting just .163 in June, though the first game of his current slump actually came with him playing short. Bogaerts said he hasn't been able to get his barrel on balls recently, but doesn't think it's a big problem going forward. "We all make mistakes. We all struggle. We all go through tough stretches. I’m going to be fine."

A hitless slide that has reached four full games covering 16 at-bats doesn't seem to be fazing Red Sox rookie shortstop-turned-third baseman Xander Bogaerts.

"I'm going to be fine," he told WEEI.com after going 0 for 4 Wednesday night. "Sit back, relax and enjoy."

Bogaerts, who has been prone to hot and cold spells this season, now owns a .278 average that is at its lowest point since May 27.

Red Sox third baseman Xander Bogaerts went 2 for 4 with a double and a solo home run in his team's 5-3 loss to the Indians Tuesday.

Bogaerts hasn't let the shift to third base affect him at the plate, as he's 4 for 8 with two home runs in his last two games. He has hit .304/.395/.464 with five home runs and 16 RBI in 207 at-bats.