Alex Verdugo
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MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 29 2025Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Atlanta facing lefty Ranger Suarez, Verdugo will retreat to the bench for a second straight game. Stuart Fairchild will get the nod in left field.
Jun 23 2025Verdugo is absent from the lineup for Monday's game versus the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has re-established himself as Atlanta's go-to left fielder against right-handed pitching, making seven straight starts in such situations, but he is sitting out Monday as the Mets send righty Paul Blackburn to the bump. Eli White will play left field and bat eighth.
Jun 22 2025Verdugo will start in left field and bat seventh in Sunday's game against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He appears to have taken back primary starting duties in left field from Eli White, as Verdugo gets a fifth straight start against a right-handed pitcher (Sandy Alcantara). Though his playing time has been trending up of late, Verdugo will move into a fourth-outfielder role beginning July 2, when Jurickson Profar (suspension) is eligible to return.
Jun 11 2025Verdugo is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game in Milwaukee. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: For the third time over the past four contests, the left-handed-hitting Verdugo finds himself out of the lineup, even though all four games have come against right-handers. Eli White is again starting in left field and might be re-emerging as Atlanta's primary starter at the position. Verdugo has produced a lowly .247/.301/.312 slash line over 166 plate appearances since being promoted to the majors April 17.
Jun 10 2025Verdugo is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old is batting .182 (5-for-32) across his past 11 games and is on the bench Tuesday for the second time in Atlanta's past three contests. Both absences have come against right-handed pitchers -- Quinn Priester is starting Tuesday for Milwaukee -- which could signal that Verdugo is heading toward a lesser role. Eli White is starting in left field Tuesday, but he's mired in a 2-for-30 slump himself as neither outfielder is doing much offensively to maintain a regular place in the lineup.
Jun 8 2025Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game at San Francisco. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo started the previous five games but will take a seat Sunday after going 3-for-15 with a double and an RBI during that span. Eli White will man left field and bat eighth against Giants righty Landen Roupp in the series finale.
Jun 1 2025Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With lefty Garrett Crochet on the bump for Boston, Verdugo will retreat to the bench. Eli White will get the starting nod Sunday.
May 26 2025Verdugo will handle the strong side of a platoon in left field with Eli White now that Ronald Acuna is back in the lineup, David O'Brien of the Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: White's actually had slightly better numbers against right-handed pitching so far this season, posting an .814 OPS in 87 plate appearances in that split versus Verdugo's .760 OPS in 100 PAs, but manager Brian Snitker will go with a conventional platoon for now between the two. How the duo performs will likely determine how long the arrangement lasts, and while Verdugo is batting .324 (11-for-34) over his last 10 games, all 11 hits have been singles. The 29-year-old may need to supply a little more pop to maintain the bigger share of the left-field workload.
May 19 2025Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a walk and two runs scored in Sunday's win over the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran outfielder put together his best performance in May as Atlanta's leadoff hitter. Verdugo's mostly struggled this month however, slashing just .210/.269/.258 through 16 contests, and he's still looking for his first homer of the season after 26 games. It's still not clear when Ronald Acuna (knee) might be activated from the injured list, but Verdugo's window for proving he deserves to keep a starting job once the superstar is ready to make his 2025 debut is rapidly closing.
May 14 2025Verdugo is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has typically started against left-handers for Atlanta, but he will take a seat in this one versus Washington southpaw Mitchell Parker. Eli White will shift over to left field and bat leadoff, while Stuart Fairchild receives a rare start in right.
May 12 2025Verdugo went 2-for-5 with an RBI single in Monday's 4-3 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo -- who went 1-for-24 in the six games prior to Monday's contest -- sent the home crowd happy in the ninth inning, when he smacked a single off Andrew Chafin that brought Eli White home for the game-winning run. It was Verdugo's fifth multi-hit game of the year, and he's slashing .250/.305/.341 with eight RBI and 11 runs scored this season.
May 9 2025Verdugo is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo started the previous seven games, including two against left-handed starters, but he'll sit Friday while in the midst of an 0-for-14 slump. Eli White will shift to left field while Stuart Fairchild starts in right versus Pittsburgh southpaw Bailey Falter.
May 5 2025Verdugo went 2-for-3 with two doubles, a steal, a walk, one RBI and a run scored in Monday's 4-0 victory over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo hit leadoff for the fourth consecutive game and tallied his sixth and seventh doubles of the season off starter Brady Singer. The Atlanta outfielder also swiped his first base of the season, pilfering second in the seventh inning. Verdugo has been hot since joining the big-league club April 17, slashing .322/.385/.441 with nine runs scored and seven RBI across 65 plate appearances.
Apr 30 2025Verdugo is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's contest in Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo will get a routine day off for the matinee game after starting in each of the previous five contests. Atlanta will go with Eli White and Eddie Rosario as its corner outfielders in Wednesday's series finale.
Apr 19 2025Verdugo went 4-for-5 with two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's 4-3 win against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran outfielder went hitless in his 2025 debut Friday, but he was much more productive in his second game for Atlanta. Verdugo has stepped into the leadoff spot of a struggling offense and should bat there against most right-handed starting pitchers, at least until Ronald Acuna (knee) is ready to make his season debut, which could happen in the coming weeks.
Apr 18 2025Verdugo will start in left field and bat leadoff in Friday's game versus the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo is not only being thrown right into the lineup for his Atlanta debut, but he's being placed at the top of the batting order, as well. The veteran outfielder should play regularly for his new club, at least against right-handed pitching. Verdugo slashed only .233/.291/.356 across 149 regular-season games for the Yankees in 2024.
Apr 17 2025Atlanta recalled Verdugo from Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo played nine games at Gwinnett after signing with Atlanta in late March, slashing .207/.303/.448 with two home runs and a 2:2 K:BB over 33 plate appearances. The 28-year-old is coming off a lackluster 2024 campaign that saw him post a .647 OPS across 149 regular-season contests, but with Atlanta's injuries and lack of production in the corner-outfield spots, along with Jurickson Profar's PED suspension, Verdugo should receive something close to everyday playing time.
Apr 14 2025Verdugo is expected to join Atlanta's active roster this week, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has participated in seven games with Triple-A Gwinnett, going 4-for-22 with a pair of home runs, including one long ball on Sunday. It's uncertain whether Verdugo will join Atlanta on Monday for the start of its series in Toronto or on Friday when the club begins a homestand, but "all signs point" to the veteran outfielder being recalled this week, per O'Brien. Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz have both struggled, so Verdugo figures to immediately get an opportunity at regular playing time in the outfield corners for Atlanta.
Mar 20 2025Atlanta signed Verdugo to a one-year, $1.5 million contract and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo's free-agent market has been quiet all winter, but he's finally managed to land a major-league deal a week before Opening Day. It's not clear when Verdugo might be able to play, but when he's ready he will offer an alternative to Jarred Kelenic in right field until Ronald Acuna (knee) is ready. Verdugo slashed only .233/.291/.356 across 149 regular-season games for the Yankees in 2024.
Mar 18 2025Verdugo has yet to receive an offer for a major-league deal since becoming a free agent in November, a league source tells Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo lacks the power profile most teams value in corner outfielders, but as an under-30 player with a career 101 wRC+ over parts of eight seasons in the majors, it comes as a surprise that he apparently hasn't been offered anything more than a minor-league deal throughout the winter and spring. Given his track record in the big leagues, Verdugo has understandably been unwilling to sign what he perceives as a below-market deal, but he may have to wait for a team's outfield depth to be tested by injuries early in the season before he gets an offer to his liking. While he waits for an opportunity, Verdugo has reportedly kept himself in playing shape by training on his own at his home in Arizona.
Mar 7 2025Verdugo is running out of time to sign with a team before the start of the season, Matt Ehalt of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo had been linked to the Mets, Blue Jays, Astros, Angels and Pirates this offseason, but those clubs either no longer have interest or they're simply not willing to offer the veteran outfielder what he feels he's worth. The 28-year-old slashed only .233/.291/.356 across 149 regular-season games for the Yankees in 2024 but graded out as a plus defender in left field.
Oct 6 2024Verdugo is expected to start in left field in Game 2 of the ALDS versus Kansas City on Monday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo started in Game 1 and came through with a big performance, going 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs and an RBI. His seventh-inning RBI single broke a 5-5 tie, providing what proved to be the winning run. Verdugo's expected start in Game 2 seems to indicate that he's currently the preferred option in left field over rookie Jasson Dominguez, as the Yankees are electing to deploy the lefty-hitting Verdugo over the switch-hitting Dominguez against southpaw Cole Ragans.
Oct 4 2024Verdugo is expected to start in left field for Game 1 of the ALDS against the Royals on Saturday, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo split starts in left field with Jasson Dominguez toward the end of the regular season after the latter was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Sept. 9. The duo had a similar slash line during that split, but it appears manager Aaron Boone will go with the veteran Verdugo for Game 1 of the ALDS. Verdugo's lone postseason appearance was in 2021 with the Red Sox, when he slashed .310/.383/.452 with one home run and six RBI across 47 plate appearances.
Sep 26 2024Verdugo hit a solo home run in his lone at-bat in Thursday's 10-1 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has had to share left field with Jasson Dominguez in recent weeks. In September, Verdugo has gone 14-for-56 (.250) with two homers and five RBI over 17 games, which hasn't been enough to claw back playing time. Verudgo is at a .234/.293/.359 slash line with 13 homers, 59 RBI, 74 runs scored, 28 doubles and a stolen base over 147 contests this season.
Sep 10 2024Verdugo is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Royals, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was in the lineup Monday in the first game after Jasson Dominguez's promotion and even homered in that contest. However, he's expected to lose significant playing time to Dominguez moving forward, and on Tuesday, it will be the latter manning left field for the Yankees.
Sep 9 2024Yankees manager Aaron Boone suggested Monday that Verdugo is likely to see his playing time take a hit following outfielder Jasson Dominguez's promotion from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Boone didn't explicitly say Verdugo is no longer a starter, he noted that Aaron Judge will play center field most days, Giancarlo Stanton will be the designated hitter most days and Dominguez will play "a lot." Boone had previously stood by Verdugo, even as the veteran outfielder has slashed just .235/.295/.356 in 137 games. However, the skipper finally looks ready to embrace a starting outfield trio of Judge, Dominguez and Juan Soto more often than not, while Stanton occupies the DH spot. The Yankees will make room in the lineup in Monday's game against the Royals for Verdugo, who will start in left field and bat ninth while Stanton finds himself as the odd man out of the lineup.
Aug 25 2024Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Saturday's loss to Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo plated New York's second and final run of the contest with a solo shot to center field in the fourth inning. The long ball snapped a 36-game stretch without a home run for the outfielder, who hit just .179 during that span. Verdugo's production has been modest in his first season as a Yankee, as he's slashing .227/.290/.358 with 11 homers, 54 RBI, 63 runs and one stolen base through 529 plate appearances.
Aug 18 2024Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old started the previous 11 games and will sit Sunday while in the midst of a 2-for-18 slump. Top prospect Jasson Dominguez is up as the 27th man Sunday and is starting in left field, but Verdugo's playing time won't be affected moving forward since Dominguez is set to return to Triple-A after the contest.
Aug 9 2024Verdugo batted in the No. 9 slot for the first time in his career Thursday versus the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The drop down to the bottom of the order may not have been performance-related, as Verdugo is batting .304 with 14 runs, six doubles, three RBI and a 6:8 BB:K over his past 10 games after going 1-for-2 with a run and two walks Thursday. Rather, the lineup adjustment could have been due to the Yankees facing lefty Tyler Anderson, as Verdugo is hitting just .209 against southpaws this season. The veteran outfielder batted leadoff in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader and fourth in the nightcap, so manager Aaron Boone appears comfortable moving Verdugo around in the lineup. Despite his recent uptick in performance, he is posting the worst statistical season of his career, as each part of his .236/.296/.374 slash line would be the lowest mark he's recorded since he became a full-time player in 2019.
Aug 7 2024Verdugo (undisclosed) will start in left field and bat leadoff in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Prior to Sunday's 4-3 win over Toronto, New York manager Aaron Boone acknowledged that Verdugo was being held out of the lineup due to being banged up, but the Yankees never seemed concerned about the outfielder missing additional time. Verdugo ended up benefiting from three full days to heal up, as the Yankees were off Monday and had Tuesday's series opener postponed. The Yankees could still look to rest Verdugo in the second half of the twin bill, but his inclusion in the lineup for the early game at least indicates that he's feeling healthy.
Aug 4 2024Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Verdugo's absence from the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays is a result of the outfielder being "a little beat up," Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Boone didn't go into any specifics regarding the nature of Verdugo's injury, merely noting that he expects the 28-year-old to be "all right" moving forward. Verdugo might just be tending to some general soreness while he's been used heavily of late, as he had started in each of the Yankees' last 34 games. With a day out of the lineup Sunday and a team off day Monday, Verdugo will most likely be ready to go for the start of the Yankees' three-games series with the Angels on Tuesday.
Jul 27 2024Verdugo went 3-for-6 with a double and three runs scored in Saturday's 11-8 extra-inning win over the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo went just 5-for-48 over a 13-game span from July 7-24, but he's bounced back with a pair of multi-hit efforts against his former Red Sox teammates. The slump has had an impact on his season-long numbers -- he's at a .235/.290/.372 slash line through 102 contests after hitting as high as .261 on June 18. The outfielder has added 10 home runs, 21 doubles, one stolen base, 48 RBI and 45 runs scored this season.
Jul 6 2024Verdugo went 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored in a 14-4 win over the Red Sox on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo hit a two-run home run in the third inning and then singled and scored in the fifth. He hit just .219 with one homer in June but has registered two multi-hit efforts in his past three games and continues to hit in the middle of the Yankees lineup. The outfielder's current .246 average is well below his .277 career mark, but he has contributed 10 home runs, 45 RBI and 42 runs scored across 364 plate appearances in 2024.
Jul 5 2024Verdugo went 3-for-4 with two doubles in Thursday's loss to Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo entered Thursday in the throes of a 12-game slump during which he went 6-for-47 (.128 average). The outfielder showed positive signs of getting back on track against the Reds, not only collecting three knocks but also producing two extra-base hits -- as many as he had tallied during that entire 12-game downturn. While Verdugo is on pace to set a career high in homers and RBI this season (he has nine long balls and 43 runs batted in through 85 games), his .248 batting average and .305 OBP are both on pace for his lowest marks since his 15-game cup of coffee with the Dodgers in 2017.
Jun 21 2024Verdugo is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo will dodge a matchup with southpaw Chris Sale on Friday. Instead, Jahmai Jones will bat fifth and fill left field.
Jun 14 2024Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a home run, a double and four total RBI in Friday's 8-1 win over the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a memorable return to Fenway Park for Verdugo, who belted a two-run homer on the first pitch he saw in the first inning from Brayan Bello before driving in two more runs later in the game. It was the first homer since May 29 for Verdugo -- he's up to nine long balls on the season, just four shy of his career high. Overall, the 28-year-old outfielder is slashing .266/.319/.438 with 41 RBI and 35 runs scored through 69 games this year.
Jun 6 2024Verdugo is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a rare day off for Verdugo, who is hitless in eight plate appearances in the first two games of the series, although he did contribute a sacrifice fly in Wednesday's contest. Aaron Judge will slide over to left field Thursday while Trent Grisham patrols center.
May 30 2024Verdugo went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 2-1 victory against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo's fourth-inning solo shot equaled the margin of victory in the pitching-dominated matchup. The long ball was his eighth of the season, putting Verdugo well on pace to surpass the career-best mark of 13 homers that he's reached two separate seasons. In his first campaign as a Yankee, Verdugo has added 29 RBI, 27 runs, a stolen base and a .260/.321/.439 slash line through 221 plate appearances.
May 27 2024Verdugo went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo ripped a leadoff homer off Robert Suarez in the ninth to bring the Yankees within three and extend his hitting streak to eight games. He's been locked in over the second half of May, slashing .308/.309/.519 with two homers, 11 RBI and seven runs over his last 13 games. He's making better contact this season as a whole, evidenced by his 10.8 strikeout rate, which is currently the fourth lowest in all of baseball among qualifying players. For the year, Verdugo has provided a steady presence in the lineup, slashing .261/.324/.431 with seven homers, 28 RBI, 26 runs and a 19:23 BB:K in 213 plate appearances.
May 22 2024Verdugo went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 7-3 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All of the Yankees' runs came via the long ball Wednesday, and Verdugo's eighth-inning blast cut off the Mariners' hopes of a comeback. The veteran outfielder has gone 11-for-37 (.297) over his last nine contests, picking up at least one hit in eight of them while adding nine RBI and five doubles. He's slashing .254/.325/.422 with six homers, 26 RBI, 23 runs scored and a stolen base over 197 plate appearances this season. Verdugo won't get the accolades of fellow outfielders Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, but he's been a strong and steady presence as the Yankees' starting left fielder this season.
May 20 2024Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI in Monday's loss to Seattle. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo opened the scoring with a two-run double in the first inning and later knocked an RBI single. After posting an .804 OPS in his first 29 games, he's struggled in 17 games this month, going 15-for-64 (.234) with five extra-base hits. Overall, he's now slashing .255/.328/.406 with five home runs, 10 doubles, 24 RBI and a 19:20 BB:K through 46 games.
May 12 2024Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw Tyler Alexander taking the hill for the Rays on Sunday, the righty-hitting Jahmai Jones will start in left field and bat ninth in place of the lefty-hitting Verdugo. Verdugo has gone 0-for-8 with three strikeouts over his last two games.
May 8 2024Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBI in Tuesday's 10-3 win over the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old got the rout started for the Yankees by launching a three-run homer off Justin Verlander in the bottom of the first inning. Verdugo has gone yard three times in his last eight games while batting .324 (11-for-34), and the surge has boosted his slash line on the season to .275/.362/.450 with five homers, one steal, 17 RBI and 19 runs in 34 contests.
May 2 2024The Yankees activated Verdugo from the paternity list Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo missed three games while tending to more important personal matters, but he's rejoined the club Thursday and presumably will be back in the lineup for their afternoon tilt against the Orioles. Aaron Judge played some left field while Verdugo was away but will now return to center field.
Apr 29 2024The Yankees placed Verdugo (personal) on the paternity list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While he leaves the team to celebrate the birth of his child, Verdugo won't be available for Monday's series opener in Baltimore, and he'll most likely remain away for games Tuesday and Wednesday before he would need to be activated ahead of Thursday's series finale versus the Orioles. The Yankees are scheduled to face right-handed starting pitchers for each of their next three games, so left-handed-hitting outfielders Trent Grisham and Taylor Trammell could represent logical replacements in the lineup for Verdugo.
Apr 28 2024Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a home run, four RBI and two runs in Saturday's 15-3 win against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Yankees offense came alive Saturday, and Verdugo led the way with a three-run homer in the opening inning. It was the outfielder's second straight game with a homer and his fourth long ball of the campaign. Verdugo started slow over the first couple weeks of the season with a .454 OPS through 10 games, but over the past three weeks he has a .350/.446/.600 slash line with six doubles, three homers and an 11:7 BB:K in 74 plate appearances.
Apr 21 2024Verdugo went 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored during Sunday's 5-4 win over Tampa Bay. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo played a key role in the Yankees' four-run fifth inning, plating Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton with a bases-loaded single before eventually coming around to score. Verdugo's runs batted in were his first since April 9 (10 games) despite him batting .306 with eight runs scored since.
Apr 10 2024Over his past six games, Verdugo is slashing .300/.417/.650 with two homers, four RBI and a 4:0 BB:K. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo went deep against Miami on Tuesday for his first long ball at home as a member of the Yankees. The outfielder started the season batting just 3-for-21 over his first six contests, but he's turned things around significantly since. The lefty batter has started all 12 games for the Yankees so far this season and is batting .385 (5-for-13) against southpaws versus just .143 (4-for-28) against right-handers.
Apr 4 2024Verdugo went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's win over Arizona. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo jumped on a hanging four-seamer from Kevin Ginkel in the top of the 10th inning and sent it into the stands in right field, scoring Anthony Volpe to give the Yankees a two-run lead. It marked the left fielder's first home run of the season and also his first in a Yankees uniform. However, even after his heroic effort in Wednesday's win, Verdugo is still batting just .160 on the season with three RBI and three runs scored.
Mar 6 2024Verdugo (leg) will start in left field and bat seventh in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was scratched from the lineup Sunday with a left leg contusion after being hit by a pitch Saturday, but he's now ready to resume his preparations for the start of the 2024 campaign. Traded from the Red Sox to the Yankees in the offseason, Verdugo is expected to serve as the primary left fielder for New York. He is 1-for-8 with a double and three strikeouts so far this spring.
Mar 3 2024Verdugo was scratched from Sunday's Grapefruit League lineup against the Tigers due to a left leg contusion, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran outfielder was hit by a pitch during Saturday's contest and will take at least one day to recover from the injury. It doesn't appear to be a serious issue, and Verdugo should be considered day-to-day until more information is available.
Jan 11 2024Verdugo signed a one-year, $8.7 million contract with the Yankees on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was dealt to the Yankees earlier in the offseason and is in his final year of arbitration eligibility. He projects to be the team's primary left fielder and should remain a decent source of batting average and runs scored as a part of a strong lineup in New York.
Dec 5 2023The Red Sox traded Verdugo to the Yankees on Tuesday in exchange for Richard Fitts, Greg Weissert and Nicholas Judice, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With trade talks stalling between the Yankees and Padres regarding Juan Soto, New York ensures the addition of a capable left-handed outfield bat by acquiring Verdugo. Verdugo slashed .264/.324/.421 with 13 homers and 54 RBI last season across 602 plate appearances. He figures to see regular at-bats versus right-handed pitchers after posting an .806 OPS against them across the last three seasons.
Sep 29 2023Verdugo is absent from the lineup for Friday's game in Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-handed hitting Verdugo will begin the contest on the bench as the Orioles send lefty John Means to the hill. Adam Duvall will cover right field for Boston.
Sep 24 2023Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo started the past four games and will take a seat after going 2-for-13 with three walks, a run and three strikeouts in the span. Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela and Adam Duvall will start across the outfield Sunday against Chicago righty Mike Clevinger.
Sep 18 2023Verdugo is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers, according to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was held out Sunday against a left-handed starter, and that will be the case again Monday with Boston facing another southpaw. Adam Duvall will man right field for the Red Sox on Monday night.
Sep 17 2023Verdugo is not in the lineup Sunday against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo takes a seat after going 0-for-9 with five strikeouts in the first two games of Boston's three-game weekend set at Toronto. Rob Refsnyder, Ceddanne Rafaela and Adam Duvall will start across the outfield in Sunday's series finale.
Sep 14 2023Verdugo is out of the lineup for the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Yankees, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Boston will go with Adam Duvall in right field and Ceddanne Rafaela in center field for the first game. Verduo figures to be back in right field for the nightcap.
Sep 12 2023Verdugo is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo swung at the first pitch with the bases loaded against a wild Clay Holmes to ground into a game-ending double play in the ninth inning of the day game. Ceddanne Rafaela will lead off against southpaw Carlos Rodon in the nightcap.
Sep 9 2023Verdugo went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's 11-2 loss to Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo returned to the lineup after missing three games due to a hamstring injury. He returned to familiar roles, starting in right field and batting leadoff.
Sep 8 2023Verdugo (hamstring) is starting in right field and batting leadoff Friday against the Orioles, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hamstring tightness has kept Verdugo on the bench since he was removed from Sunday's game against Kansas City. Now that he's back in action, he'll look to stay hot at the plate after belting four homers across his last 10 games.
Sep 6 2023Verdugo (hamstring) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old will sit for all three games in Tampa Bay after exiting Sunday's matchup versus Kansas City with left hamstring tightness. Verdugo could have the chance to rejoin the starting nine Friday against the Orioles following Thursday's team off day. Masataka Yoshida, Wilyer Abreu and Adam Duvall will start from left to right in the outfield Wednesday.
Sep 4 2023Verdugo (hamstring) is unlikely to return to the Red Sox' lineup until Friday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has been ruled out through Tuesday with left hamstring tightness, and while he could return Wednesday in a best-case scenario, Friday following the off day Thursday looks to be the most likely route. Adam Duvall is playing right field Monday while Wilyer Abreu handles center field.
Sep 3 2023Verdugo was lifted from Sunday's game against the Royals due to left hamstring tightness, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo appeared to suffer the injury while playing the field during the sixth inning when he departed with the athletic trainer. He went 0-for-3 prior to his exit and should be considered day-to-day heading into Monday's series opener in Tampa Bay.
Aug 26 2023Verdugo went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Saturday's 8-5 win over the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty outfielder remained hot Saturday, leading off the bottom of the first inning with a homer off Julio Urias. Over Verdugo's last six games, he is 13-for-29 with three homers, two doubles, five RBI, and six runs. The 27-year-old now has 12 home runs on the season, surpassing last year's total and leaving him one shy of his career-high of 13, which he accomplished in 2021.
Aug 24 2023Verdugo went 4-for-7 with a home run, two RBI and an additional run scored in Thursday's 17-1 victory over the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo set the tone Thursday with a leadoff home run off J.P. France, giving the Red Sox an early lead in the eventual lopsided victory. The four-hit performance also marked Verdugo's fourth multi-hit effort in his last seven games -- he's gone 12-for 32 (.375) in that span. The 27-year-old outfielder boosted his slash line to .279/.345/.438 with 10 homers, 71 runs scored and 49 RBI across 496 plate appearances this season.
Aug 22 2023Verdugo was ejected from Tuesday's game against the Astros, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was in the dugout at the time of his ejection, making the exact circumstances unclear. Wilyer Abreu took over in right field to make his big-league debut, while Verdugo should be in line to return to starting lineup Wednesday.
Aug 19 2023Verdugo batted leadoff and went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three runs scored in Friday's 8-3 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo set the table immediately with a leadoff double to spark Boston's four-run first inning. This was the third time in the last four starts that Verdugo batted leadoff -- all three starts against right-handers. He had been the primary leadoff batter through the first half of the season before Jarren Duran took over those duties against righties and Rob Refsnyder against lefties. However, Duran has been slumping of late and batted seventh Friday. Verdugo is slashing .276/.338/.451 atop the order this season.
Aug 17 2023Verdugo is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Nationals, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Southpaw Patrick Corbin is on the hill for the Nats, so the left-handed hitting Verdugo will begin this one on the bench. Adam Duvall will patrol right field for Boston.
Aug 15 2023Verdugo went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Tuesday's 5-4 victory over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo lead off Tuesday's contest with a 405-foot homer off Josiah Gray, his ninth of the year and just his second in 25 games. The 27-year-old Verdugo's gone 9-for-37 (.243) with four extra-base hits in 12 games since the start of August after batting just .151 in July. Overall, he's slashing .269/.338/.425 with 63 runs scored, 46 RBI and four stolen bases across 458 plate appearances this season.
Aug 13 2023Verdugo isn't in the Red Sox's lineup Sunday against the Tigers, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Eduardo Rodriguez slated to start on the bump for Detroit, the left-handed bat of Verdugo will retreat to the dugout to begin the game. Adam Duvall will take over in right field while Verdugo sits.
Aug 7 2023Verdugo is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Royals, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kansas City is starting left-hander Cole Ragans, so the left-handed hitting Verdugo will head to the bench. Adam Duvall will draw the start in right field in place of Verdugo, who went 3-for-4 with three base hits in Sunday's 13-1 loss to the Blue Jays in his return to the lineup following a one-game benching.
Aug 6 2023Verdugo will start in right field and bat sixth in Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was scratched from the lineup ahead of Saturday's 5-4 loss in a manager's decision, with Ian Browne of MLB.com relaying that the outfielder's benching may have been the result of him showing up at Fenway Park only two hours before the game's start time. Any further discipline won't include Verdugo missing out on starts, as he'll be back in the lineup for the series finale, occupying his usual spot in right field. Verdugo is slashing .148/.246/.222 with one home run and one stolen base in 16 games since the All-Star break.
Aug 5 2023Red Sox manager Alex Cora said after Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Blue Jays that Verdugo was scratched from the lineup in a non-health-related decision, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Cora didn't elaborate on why he didn't make Verdugo available Saturday, a source tells Ian Browne of MLB.com that the outfielder arrived at Fenway Park about two hours prior to the game's 1:35 p.m. ET start time. His late arrival may have been a factor on why the Red Sox chose to hold out Verdugo, who has now been benched for non-injury or non-rest-related reasons on two occasions this season. Adam Duvall picked up the start in right field in Verdugo's stead and went 2-for-4 with a double and a run.
Aug 1 2023Verdugo went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk in Tuesday's 6-4 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo's fifth-inning blast gave the Red Sox enough offense for the win. He snapped a 13-game homer drought with the long ball, and he's now hit safely in five straight games after a brutal slump for most of July. The outfielder is at a .271/.344/.428 slash line with eight homers, 41 RBI, 58 runs scored and four stolen bases through 96 contests. He should continue to see the bulk of the playing time in right field.
Jul 26 2023Verdugo is back in the lineup Wednesday against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo will start in center field and bat fifth versus right-hander Spencer Strider. Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Alex Speier of the Boston Globe that Verdugo sat out the last two games for a "mental break," which might have been needed after he slashed .127/.222/.255 across his first 63 plate appearances in July.
Jul 25 2023Verdugo is not in the lineup Tuesday against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was also held out of Sunday's series finale versus the Mets, but there has been no word of any injury. Maybe it's just a mental and physical break for the 27-year-old outfielder, who has struggled to a .127/.222/.255 batting line in 63 plate appearances since the beginning of July.
Jul 23 2023Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo's move to the bench comes while he's fallen into a 6-for-46 skid at the plate over his last 13 games dating back to July 4. Adam Duvall will replace Verdugo in right field and bat fifth in the series finale.
Jul 9 2023Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game versus the A's, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old started the past 11 contests after spending some time on the bereavement list, and he'll take a seat for Boston's final game before the All-Star break. Barring an appearance off the bench, Verdugo will finish the first half with an .817 OPS, 26 doubles, seven homers, three stolen bases, 38 RBI and 57 runs. Adam Duvall will man right field Sunday.
Jul 8 2023Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Saturday's 10-3 victory over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo got on the board early, launching a two-run home run off Austin Pruitt that plated Justin Turner and opened up a 3-0 lead for the Red Sox. After going homerless for nearly two months, Verdugo has hit two long balls in his last six games. Through 82 games, Verdugo is slashing .290/.360/.457 and is tied for the fifth most doubles in MLB (26).
Jun 28 2023Verdugo went 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in Tuesday's 10-1 loss to the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo returned from a four-game absence while on the bereavement list. His first-inning double delivered Boston's lone run and extended his hit streak to 13 games. The outfielder has slashed .393/.443/.589 during that stretch. The 27-year-old Verdugo is tied for 24th in the majors with 2.4 fWAR.
Jun 27 2023Boston activated Verdugo from the bereavement list Tuesday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo missed a handful of games following the death of a family member. The 27-year-old outfielder had been on a heater at the dish prior to the absence, boasting a .340/.404/.495 batting line across his last 109 plate appearances dating back to late May. He returns Tuesday to an active 12-game hitting streak.
Jun 22 2023Verdugo, who was placed on the bereavement list Thursday, will rejoin the team Tuesday in Boston against the Marlins, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Jarren Duran is taking Verdugo's place as the leadoff hitter against right-handed pitching in the short term, and Boston faces three more righties this weekend in Chicago before Monday's off day. Fantasy managers should get Verdugo out of lineups this weekend where possible, but he can be deployed per usual next week.
Jun 19 2023Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a triple and four RBI in a 9-3 win against the Twins on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo produced the biggest hit of the contest for Boston, clearing the bases with a sixth-inning triple to unknot a 3-3 tie. The outfielder finished with his fifth straight multi-hit game and extended his overall hitting streak to 10 contests. During the latter stretch, Verdugo is batting .395 (17-for-43) with six extra-base hits, seven runs and seven RBI.
Jun 17 2023Verdugo went 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored in Friday's 15-5 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo extended a hit streak to seven straight games, slashing .355/.394/.452 during the run. All seven games came after the night Verdugo was benched for a lack of hustle.
Jun 8 2023Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Verdugo will be benched Thursday against Cleveland due to a "lack of hustle," Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo didn't give maximum effort on the basepaths during a fielder's choice by Masataka Yoshida in Wednesday's game, and Cora will seemingly use Verdugo to send a message to the rest of the team. Cora also said that the 27-year-old outfielder will return to Boston's lineup Friday.
Jun 1 2023Verdugo went 2-for-5 in Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo returned to the lineup after missing Tuesday's game with a minor illness. The outfielder has seven hits over his last 17 at-bats.
May 31 2023Verdugo (illness) will start in right field and bat leadoff Wednesday against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo sat out Tuesday's 9-8 loss in the series opener while he was under the weather, but he's feeling well enough to take back his usual spot in the outfield Wednedsay. Raimel Tapia will head back to the bench after going 3-for-5 with a pair of extra-base hits, two runs and two RBI while filling in for Verdugo at the top of the lineup against Cincinnati on Tuesday.
May 30 2023Verdugo is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Reds, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's unusual to see Verdugo getting a day off with a right-hander (Ben Lively) on the mound, but this does seem to simply be him getting some rest. Raimel Tapia will be in right field and will hit leadoff.
May 26 2023Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Friday's 7-2 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo went 0-for-12 over his last three games, which led to him getting Wednesday off ahead of Thursday's travel day. He'd gone five contests without an extra-base hit. Despite the recent slump, Verdugo remains one of the Red Sox's most consistent hitters. He's slashing .292/.364/.464 with five home runs, 20 RBI, 38 runs scored and three stolen bases through 49 games.
May 24 2023Verdugo is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo is among the left-handed hitters on the bench as the Red Sox go up against southpaw Tyler Anderson. Raimel Tapia is a left-handed hitter himself but will play right field in Verdugo's place.
May 19 2023Verdugo (groin) is starting Friday against the Padres, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being forced to exit Wednesday's contest against the Mariners early due to left groin tightness, Verdugo will return to Boston's lineup without missing a game. The 27-year-old outfielder is on pace for the best season of his career and is slashing .305/.380/.497 through 43 contests.
May 18 2023Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Verdugo (groin) should be able to play Friday in San Diego, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was removed from Wednesday's game in the third inning due to tightness in his left groin. The Red Sox termed the removal as precautionary, and the outfielder should be good to go after Thursday's team off day.
May 17 2023Verdugo was pulled from Wednesday's game against Seattle due to left groin tightness, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox have an off day Thursday, so Verdugo will get an extra day of rest before the team decides whether or not he will miss any more time. He should be considered day-to-day going forward.
May 15 2023Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a walk, a double and a run scored in Sunday's 9-1 loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo doubled to lead off the bottom of the first inning for Boston and raced home on a Rafael Devers two-out single. It was the leadoff batter's 32nd run scored, which ties him for fifth in MLB along with Matt Olson and Christian Yelich. Verdugo's bat cooled off slightly after hot start, but he's getting on base regularly and maintains a career-high .865 OPS.
May 6 2023Verdugo will bat second and play right field Saturday against the Phillies, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An illness kept Verdugo out of the lineup for the last two games, but it evidently isn't a long-term issue. That's good news for the Red Sox, as he's off to a strong start, hitting .315/.382/.515 with five homers in 144 trips to the plate.
May 5 2023Verdugo (illness) remained out of the Red Sox' lineup Friday in Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo is battling an illness and will miss a second straight start. He's considered day-to-day. Raimel Tapia will pick up another start in right field and in the leadoff spot.
May 4 2023Verdugo was not in Thursday's lineup against the Blue Jays due to an illness, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was originally believed to just be a typical off day for Verdugo, though manager Alex Cora disclosed the illness following Thursday's win. There's no indication that the issue will cause Verdugo to miss further game action.
May 2 2023Verdugo went 2-for-5 with a double, a solo home run, a steal and an additional run scored in Monday's 6-5 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo led off the bottom of the first with a double and came around to score on Masataka Yoshida's RBI double. After reaching on a fielder's choice in the sixth, Verdugo recorded his second steal of the season but was ultimately stranded at second base. The Blue Jays tied the game at 5-5 in the top of the ninth, but Verdugo blasted a walk-off solo shot to lead off the bottom half of the frame. He's hit safely in seven of his last eight games -- including three straight multi-hit efforts -- and has five extra-base knocks and eight RBI during that stretch.
Apr 30 2023Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBI in Sunday's 7-1 win over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo opened the scoring Sunday with a two-run single in the fifth inning. He'd extend Boston's lead to 5-1 in the seventh with a solo home run, his fourth longball of the year, off Peyton Battenfied. Verdugo has gotten off to a fast start while leading off for the Red Sox this season, slashing .308/.372/.479 with 17 RBI, 22 runs scored and a stolen base through 129 plate appearances. The 26-year-old outfielder has 36 hits, second behind Matt Chapman and Bo Bichette in the American League.
Apr 29 2023Verdugo went 2-for-6 with one double, one RBI and one run scored in Saturday's extra-inning win over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo secured the win for the Red Sox, plating Christian Arroyo in the 10th in walk-off fashion. Saturday's game-winner was his second in the last two weeks after walking it off against the Twins on April 18. The lefty has been a steady contributor atop the Boston lineup, with a .301/.363/.451 slash line and the 10th most hits (34) in Major League Baseball.
Apr 2 2023Verdugo went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 9-8 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo slugged one of four home runs on the day for Boston, with his third-inning blast off Dean Kremer helping cut the Red Sox's deficit to four runs in the team's eventual come-from-behind victory. The 26-year-old has batted out of the leadoff spot versus right-handed starting pitchers in both of Boston's first two contests, but he'll drop to sixth in the batting order Sunday while lefty Cole Irvin takes the hill for Baltimore.
Mar 31 2023Verdugo went 2-for-5 with a triple and two runs scored in Thursday's 10-9 loss to the Orioloes. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo batted leadoff and helped erase an early 1-0 deficit with a triple to open the bottom half of the first inning. He's expected to bat leadoff whenever the Red Sox face a right-hander.
Mar 30 2023Verdugo is starting at leadoff at playing right field for the Red Sox on Thursday versus the Orioles, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Triston Casas has also been mentioned by manager Alex Cora as a possible option at leadoff against right-handers, but Verdugo will get the first crack at it. Casas is batting sixth versus Kyle Gibson.
Feb 17 2023Boston manager Alex Cora mentioned Verdugo and Enrique Hernandez as players he'd like to see steal more bases this season, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the addition of bigger bases -- the distance between bases is reduced by four-and-a-half inches -- along with a new limit of number of pickoff attempts per batter, Cora is hoping the Red Sox can take advantage. Verdugo stole one base (caught three times) in 2022 and six the previous year. The manager plans to have his staff emphasize certain baserunning techniques to improve the team's production in that category. Boston ranked next-to-last in 2021 with 40 steals and 26th last season with 52. Cora's also cognizant to be careful getting too reckless at Fenway Park, where baserunners are in scoring position at first base.
Jan 13 2023Verdugo agreed to a one-year, $6.3 million contract with the Red Sox on Friday to avoid arbitration, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo had a .280/.328/.405 slash line with 11 home runs and 74 RBI in 152 games for Boston last season. He's entering his penultimate season before becoming eligible for free agency in 2025.
Oct 2 2022Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has an .860 OPS with two home runs, four doubles and eight RBI over his past 11 contests and will step out of the lineup for Sunday's game. Abraham Almonte will take over in right field for the series finale at Toronto.
Sep 28 2022Verdugo went 2-for-4 with one homer, two RBI and one run scored in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo accounted for two of Boston's three runs Wednesday with an RBI single in the bottom of the first to put the Red Sox up 1-0 and a solo home run in the sixth to improve the lead to 3-0. The long ball was his 11th on the season and fourth in September. Verdugo is slashing .284/.332/.412 through 146 games this season with 70 runs and 74 RBI.
Sep 25 2022Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has a modest five-game hit streak during which he's gone 7-for-21 with a home run, five RBI and nine strikeouts, but he'll take a seat Sunday with lefty Nestor Cortes pitching for New York. Rob Refsnyder will start in center field and bat fifth in the series finale.
Sep 24 2022Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a double and a three-run home run in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With two strikes on him, Verdugo didn't offer at a 99.4 mph four-seamer from Gerrit Cole, which was called a ball. He then belted the next pitch -- 99.5 mph fastball -- that caught too much of the plate to knot the game at four runs apiece in the sixth inning. After the frame, both Cole and New York manager Aaron Boone were ejected for arguing the pitch before the blast. The homer was Verdugo's 10th and gave him 70 RBI, which ranks second on the team behind Rafael Devers.
Sep 18 2022Verdugo is not in Sunday's lineup against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo is hitting .263/.354/.386 with two home runs in 14 games this month. Rob Refsnyder is getting the start in right field, batting fifth.
Sep 11 2022Verdugo went 2-for-6 with an RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's win over Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo scored on a Rafael Devers homer in the first inning, then again on a Devers single in the fourth. Verdugo also knocked in Kevin Plawecki on a fourth inning single of his own. The outfielder has six multi-hit performances this month which includes two homers, three RBI and ten runs scored. Over that span, he is slashing .333/.409/.513.
Sep 1 2022Verdugo went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, two additional runs and a walk in Thursday's 9-8 win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo launched Boston's only home run in the contest, belting a solo shot to center field in the sixth inning. The outfielder reached base three additional times and scored twice more to continue his prolonged hot stretch at the plate. Since Aug. 5, Verdugo is batting .378 (37-for-98) with two homers, 10 RBI and 20 runs over 25 games.
Aug 30 2022Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a double, one RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's 10-5 loss to Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was a big part of Boston's offense Tuesday as he accounted for three of its five runs on the night. His multi-hit effort is his seventh in the last 13 games, a streak in which he is batting a robust .352. On the season, the 26-year-old is slashing .284/.329/.403 as he has been one of the bright spots in what has been a disappointing season for Boston.
Aug 25 2022Verdugo is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Blue Jays, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo started the past 17 games and will receive Thursday off after posting a .977 OPS with one home run, eight doubles, six RBI and 12 runs during that stretch. Rob Refsnyder will start in right field and bat sixth.
Aug 18 2022Verdugo went 3-for-3 with a double, an RBI and three runs scored in Wednesday's victory over Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo extended Boston's lead to two with an RBI double off righty Roansy Contreras with one out in the fifth. While the 26-year-old has not hit for power in 2022, he has been much better of late with a .580 slugging percentage in 50 at-bats across his last 15 games. In addition, the outfielder has been red hot at home during that stretch with a 1.226 OPS in 19 at-bats compared to a still strong .916 OPS in 31 at-bats on the road.
Aug 6 2022Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was Verdugo's second straight multi-hit effort after he opened August 1-for-12 in his first four contests. He accounted for the Red Sox's last run in the game, a sixth-inning blast off Royals starter Daniel Lynch. Verdugo continues to provide steady hitting in the middle of the order against right-handers -- he's slashing .271/.311/.385 with seven homers, 53 RBI, 42 runs scored, a stolen base and 24 doubles through 424 plate appearances this year.
Aug 5 2022Verdugo went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, a walk and two runs scored in Friday's 7-4 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo had gone just 3-for-20 (.150) with nine strikeouts in six games since his last multi-hit effort. The 26-year-old outfielder snapped the slump with a second-inning double, and added another two-bagger in the fourth and a single in the seventh. He's up to a .269/.310/.376 slash line with six home runs, 52 RBI, 41 runs scored, a stolen base and 24 doubles through 101 contests. With Jackie Bradley released and Franchy Cordero optioned to Triple-A Worcester, Verdugo should see the bulk of the starts in right field versus right-handed pitchers.
Aug 4 2022Verdugo is out of the lineup for Thursday's game at Kansas City, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo started the past 25 games and posted a .603 OPS during that stretch, and he'll take a seat Thursday with southpaw Kris Bubic pitching for the Royals. Jaylin Davis will start in right field and bat leadoff.
Jul 31 2022Verdugo will start in left field and bat fifth in Sunday's game against the Brewers, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the Red Sox facing a left-handed starting pitcher (Aaron Ashby) for the second day in a row, the lefty-hitting Verdugo will once again occupy the No. 5 spot in the lineup after having hit either second or third in his prior seven starts. Verdugo has been a solid source of batting average in July (.280), but his counting stats (zero home runs, one stolen base, eight RBI and six runs) over his 25 starts this month have left much to be desired.
Jul 12 2022Verdugo went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base in Monday's 10-5 loss to the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox got busy on the basepaths, going 3-for-3 on steal attempts with Francisco Mejia behind the plate for the Rays, and as a result Verdugo picked up his first pilfer of the year on the back half of a double steal with Xander Bogaerts in the fifth inning. Verdugo has also produced multiple hits in three straight games, continuing a hot streak that has seen the 26-year-old slash .333/.393/.444 over his last 20 contests with two homers, nine runs and 14 RBI.
Jul 10 2022Verdugo went 3-for-5 with three RBI in Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo knocked in the game-tying run with an eighth-inning single, then drove home two runs in the bottom of the 10th inning for a walkoff win. These were the first runs driven in during the month of July for Verdugo, who ranks third on the Red Sox with 46 RBI.
Jul 5 2022Verdugo is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll be one of three lefty-hitting Red Sox regulars on the bench against Tampa Bay southpaw Jeffrey Springs, as Rafael Devers and Jackie Bradley are also getting the night off. Rob Refsnyder will get a look in left field in place of Verdugo, who slashed a robust .357/.419/.518 while starting in each of Boston's previous 14 games.
Jun 29 2022Verdugo went 2-for-5 with a home run, a double and four RBI in Wednesday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo delivered a two-run home run in the sixth inning and plated another pair on a double in the 10th. He's posted multiple hits in six of 10 games during his current hitting streak, a span in which he's gone 16-for-39 (.410). The outfielder is up to a .266/.312/.395 slash line with six homers, 43 RBI, 33 runs scored and 17 doubles across 295 plate appearances. He was caught stealing in his only stolen base attempt of the year.
Jun 26 2022Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run and a walk in a 4-2 win against the Guardians on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Shane Bieber held Boston scoreless for five innings Saturday, but Verdugo touched him for a 447-foot, three-run home run in the sixth inning that gave the Red Sox the lead. The long ball was the fifth of the season for the outfielder and just his second since April 16. Verdugo is in the midst of a six-game hitting streak, batting .348/.400/.565 with three extra-base hits, five runs and six RBI over that span.
Jun 18 2022Verdugo isn't starting Saturday's game against the Cardinals, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo will get a breather after he went 0-for-9 with two strikeouts over the last two games. Franchy Cordero is starting in left field while Bobby Dalbec takes over at first base.
Jun 15 2022Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBI in Wednesday's 10-1 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo opened the scoring with an RBI groundout in the first inning, and he plated another on a third-inning single before going deep in the sixth on a two-run blast. This was the outfielder's fifth multi-hit effort in 12 games in June. He's gone 16-for-47 (.340) this month, and he's now batting .251/.293/.368 with four homers, 33 RBI, 26 runs scored and 14 doubles through 58 contests overall.
Jun 11 2022Verdugo (knee) will bat fifth and play left field Saturday against Seattle, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo missed Friday's series opener with a knee issue, but the injury was evidently a minor one. He's shown signs of life at the plate recently after a poor start, hitting .339/.379/.452 over his last 15 games to raise his season OPS to .655.
Jun 10 2022Verdugo isn't starting Friday against the Mariners due to a knee injury, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo sustained a knee injury during Thursday's loss to the Angels and will be out of the lineup for at least one game. Whether he's available off the bench remains to be seen, but Franchy Cordero will draw the start in left field.
Jun 7 2022Verdugo went 1-for-4 with a run scored in Monday's 1-0 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo scored the game's lone run from first base in the second inning. With two outs, he was running on a 3-2 pitch to Christian Vazquez, who delivered a single to left-center field. As the throw from Mike Trout went past the cutoff man on its way to second base, Verdugo was waived him and beat the throw to the plate. He extended a hitting streak to six games, during which he's 9-for-23 with five RBI and six runs scored.
Jun 4 2022Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 8-0 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo had an RBI double in the fourth inning and plated another run with his single in the eighth. The outfielder has enjoyed a productive stretch lately, going 16-for-47 (.340) in his last 11 games, with four multi-hit efforts, 12 RBI and eight runs in that span. For the season, he's had some struggles with a .246/.289/.364 slash line, three home runs, 28 RBI, 21 runs scored, no stolen bases and 12 doubles through 204 plate appearances. He hasn't ended a season with a slugging percentage under .400 since 2018.
Jun 2 2022Verdugo went 2-for-3 with a walk, two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's 7-1 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Facing fireballer Hunter Greene, who maxed out at 101.4 mph, Verdugo spanked a 91.5 mph changeup (!) off the bullpen wall in right field to plate the winning run. Verdugo finished the month of May with a .219 batting average, but the outfielder starting coming out of the funk over the final week and it carried over into June. Across nine games since May 24, Verdugo is 12-for-39 (.308) with six doubles, 10 RBI and five runs scored. Despite a .625 OPS, he continues to hit out of the five hole in Boston's productive order.
May 29 2022Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sundays' game against the Orioles, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo started the past six games and will receive a day off with left-hander Bruce Zimmermann on the mound for Baltimore. Franchy Cordero will man left field Sunday in his place, while Bobby Dalbec starts at first base.
May 28 2022Verdugo went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI in Friday's 12-8 loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While the major story coming out of the game was yet another Boston bullpen meltdown, Verdugo managed to extend his RBI streak to four games, all since returning from a non-COVID illness. The outfielder went 8-for-20 with four doubles and seven RBI during that stretch.
May 27 2022Verdugo went 4-for-6 with two doubles, two runs and three RBI in a 16-7 win against the White Sox on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo produced a run-scoring double in each of the first and fifth innings, and he knocked in another run with a single in the eighth. The four-hit performance was his first of the campaign and raised his season average from .215 to .232. Verdugo has gone 9-for-24 (.375) with four doubles and five RBI over his past six games.
May 24 2022Verdugo (illness) will bat fifth and play left field Tuesday against the White Sox, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo left Saturday's game against Seattle due to an illness and remained out Sunday, but he's ready to go following Monday's scheduled off day and a negative COVID-19 test. The Red Sox will be looking for much more from him going forward, as he hit just .214/.255/.321 through 38 games prior to his brief absence.
May 23 2022Verdugo (illness) tested negative for COVID-19 and could return to action Tuesday against the White Sox, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was removed from Saturday's game after one inning with flu-like symptoms but was feeling better Sunday, per manager Alex Cora, who thinks the outfielder will be ready to go Tuesday. Franchy Cordero filled in at left field while Verdugo was under the weather.
May 22 2022Verdugo (illness) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After exiting early in Saturday's 6-5 win with the illness, Verdugo evidently didn't make enough progress overnight to get the green light to rejoin the lineup. The Red Sox are off Monday, so Verdugo should have a good chance of being ready to go when Boston begins a three-game series in Chicago with the White Sox on Tuesday.
May 21 2022Verdugo exited Saturday's game against the Mariners in the top of the second inning due to an illness, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was replaced defensively in the top of the second inning, as Franchy Cordero shifted to left field while Bobby Dalbec took over at first base. It's not yet clear whether Verdugo's illness is related to COVID-19, but he should tentatively be considered day-to-day.
May 19 2022Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a double and four runs scored Thursday against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has been cool at the plate for most of May, as he was hitting just .157 across 51 at-bats entering Thursday's game. However, he turned in his second multi-hit performance in his last three starts and scored multiple runs in a game for the first time this season. Overall, Verdugo is hitting .221/.257/.331 across 148 plate appearances on the campaign.
May 16 2022Verdugo went 0-for-4 in Sunday's 7-1 loss to the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was back in the lineup after missing Saturday's game due to an injury suffered during Friday's game, when he fouled a pitch off his foot. He was one of Boston's best hitters early in the season, but Verdugo has struggled in the subsequent three weeks. The outfielder is batting .143 (10-for-70) over the last 18 games.
May 15 2022Verdugo (foot) is starting in left field Sunday against the Rangers, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He exited Friday's game with a foot contusion and was absent from Saturday's lineup, but it will end up being a short absence. Verdugo is hitting .176 with zero home runs and zero steals in nine games this month.
May 14 2022Verdugo (foot) isn't starting Saturday against the Rangers, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo exited Friday's game against the Rangers with a bruised right foot, but he underwent X-rays that came back negative. It's not yet clear whether he'll be available off the bench Saturday, but he should be considered day-to-day for now. Franchy Cordero will shift to left field while Bobby Dalbec starts at first base.
May 13 2022Verdugo's X-rays on his bruised right foot were negative Friday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The injury forced Verdugo to exit Friday's game against the Rangers early, but it doesn't appear to be a particularly serious one. He'll have a chance to play Saturday if he feels well enough to do so.
May 1 2022Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll be getting a well-deserved off day after starting in left field in each of Boston's first 22 games of the season. Recent call-up Jaylin Davis picks up the start in the outfield in place of Verdugo, who has fallen into a 4-for-32 slump at the dish over his last eight games to drop his season average to .238.
Apr 19 2022Verdugo went 2-for-3 with an intentional walk, a double and a run scored in Monday's 8-3 loss to the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo, who upped his hit streak to five games with a fifth-inning double, is 6-for-15 with two home runs, two doubles and five RBI during that stretch. For the season, Verdugo is batting .333 with a 1.067 OPS.
Apr 16 2022Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old continued his strong start to the season, homering for the second time in as many days against Minnesota and the third time this season. Verdugo's humming along with a .296/.375/.667 slash line through eight games with seven RBI, and after posting a career-best 13 homers and 63 RBI in 2021, he could be ready to take a big step forward in the power department.
Apr 9 2022Verdugo went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in a loss to the Yankees on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo accounted for all of Boston's scoring in the contest with a two-run shot off Luis Severino in the second inning. He also singled in the fourth for his second straight two-hit game to begin the campaign. Verdugo is 4-for-8 with three RBI overall in 2022.
Mar 22 2022Verdugo signed a one-year, $3.55 million deal with Boston on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo will receive a raise of nearly $3 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility. He's coming off a year in which he hit .289/.351/.426 with 13 homers.
Mar 19 2022Verdugo, who was scratched from Saturday's lineup, will play Sunday instead, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He will take at-bats on the backfields Saturday instead of playing in the big-league game, so it sounds like he is fully healthy.
Oct 9 2021Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a homer, two runs and two RBI in Friday's 14-6 win over the Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox recorded 20 hits in Friday's offensive showcase, and Verdugo was one of five players to tally multiple hits in the win. He's started each of the first three postseason games this year and has gone 6-for-13 with a home run, five RBI and two runs.
Oct 3 2021Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a two-RBI double in Sunday's 7-5 win over Washington. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder provided the game-tying hit during Boston's seventh-inning rally, plating Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers with a double. Verdugo ended the regular season with three multi-hit efforts in his last six games. He owns a .289/.351/.426 slash line with 13 home runs, 63 RBI, 88 runs scored, six stolen bases and 32 doubles through 604 plate appearances.
Oct 1 2021Verdugo will sit Friday against the Nationals, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox's regular starting nine will be a man down throughout the final series of the season, as there won't be a designated hitter available under National League rules. J.D. Martinez, who typically occupies that spot, will move out to right field on this occasion, pushing Hunter Renfroe to Verdugo's usual spot in center.
Sep 28 2021Verdugo is not starting Tuesday against the Orioles and left-hander Bruce Zimmermann, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He's now set to sit for the sixth time in the last nine matchups against lefty starters. Kyle Schwarber, Enrique Hernandez and Hunter Renfroe will man the Boston outfield from left to right.
Sep 25 2021Verdugo will sit against lefty Nestor Cortes and the Yankees on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo doesn't sit against every southpaw, but he's now been on the bench against five of the last eight the Red Sox have faced. Kyle Schwarber starts in left field while Enrique Hernandez remains the center fielder.
Sep 19 2021Verdugo will start in left field Sunday against Baltimore, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was given Saturday off but rejoins the lineup Sunday, taking over in left field, where Kyle Schwarber started the previous day. Verdugo has hit safely in eight of the last nine contests, going 13-for-31 with a home run and six RBI.
Sep 18 2021Verdugo will be on the bench Saturday against Baltimore, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo sits for the second time in three games despite the fact that he's hitting .419 over his last nine appearances. Kyle Schwarber starts in left field, with Enrique Hernandez in center.
Sep 15 2021Verdugo isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Mariners, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Tuesday's win over Seattle, and he'll get a breather for Wednesday's series finale. Enrique Hernandez will shift to center field while Jose Iglesias starts at second base.
Sep 14 2021Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in an 8-4 victory over the Mariners on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Batting eighth, Verdugo singled in the fifth inning and drove in two with a homer to right in the eighth as part of a five-run inning. The long ball was his first since Aug. 23 and gives Verdugo 13 on the season, setting a new career high albeit in more games than any of his other campaigns.
Sep 12 2021Verdugo went 1-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 9-8 extra-inning win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo delivered a key two-out, two-run single to give Boston a lead during its seven-run third inning. He later made a leaping catch at the wall. Verdugo has reached base safely in nine straight games, going 11-for-30 (.367) with five walks, five RBI and a .944 OPS.
Sep 10 2021Verdugo is not starting Friday against the White Sox and left-hander Carlos Rodon, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll sit for the second game in a row with Chicago sending a tough lefty to the mound. Enrique Hernandez shifts to center field as Jose Iglesias mans the keystone Friday.
Sep 8 2021Verdugo isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Rays, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo went 3-for-5 with a strikeout in Tuesday's loss to the Rays, and he'll get a breather in the series finale. Danny Santana, Enrique Hernandez and Hunter Renfroe will start in the outfield from left to right.
Sep 7 2021Verdugo went 3-for-5 in Tuesday's 12-7 loss to Tampa Bay. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder has notched four multi-hit efforts in his last eight games, although Verdugo only mustered three singles in Tuesday's contest. He's lifted his season slash line to .288/.358/.431 with 12 home runs, 51 RBI, 79 runs scored and six stolen bases. With Kyle Schwarber expected to see more time at first base going forward, Verdugo is likely to get most of his playing time in left field or center field.
Sep 5 2021Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI in Saturday's 4-3 win over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo turned what could have been a gut-punch loss into a win with a walkoff, bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth inning. Boston held a 3-0 lead in the top half of the inning before Adam Ottavino (three runs on three hits) gave it away. Verdugo is slashing .320/.424/.452 with nine RBI and 12 runs scored over 20 games since returning from a personal absence in mid-August.
Sep 2 2021Verdugo isn't starting Thursday's game against the Rays, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo will get a rare day off after he went 4-for-12 with a triple, a run and two strikeouts across the last three games. Danny Santana will start in center field and bat seventh.
Aug 29 2021Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in Sunday's 7-5 loss to Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo went 1-for-2 in stolen base attempts Sunday, which puts him at 6-for-8 on the basepaths this year. The outfielder has gone 11-for-27 (.407) across his last seven games, lifting his season slash line to .284/.354/.429 with 12 home runs, 49 RBI, 76 runs scored and 27 doubles through 503 plate appearances. With Enrique Hernandez on the COVID-19 injured list, Verdugo should see regular playing time in center field or right field for the next week or more.
Aug 23 2021Verdugo went 3-for-4 with a walk, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Monday's 8-4 extra-innings win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took Kolby Allard deep in the second inning to get the Red Sox on the board. The homer was Verdugo's 12th of the year and first in nine games since returning to the team following the birth of his first child, but he's batting .313 (10-for-32) with five RBI and six runs during that stretch.
Aug 13 2021Verdugo went 0-for-4 with a walk in Friday's 8-1 win over Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder was away from the team for five days while attending the birth of his child. Verdugo wasn't able to do much in his return to the lineup. He has a .276/.342/.424 slash line with 11 home runs, 41 RBI, 66 runs scored and five stolen bases through 444 plate appearances. With Kyle Schwarber coming off the injured list Friday, Verdugo and Jarren Duran could see reductions in playing time in a suddenly crowded Boston outfield.
Aug 12 2021Verdugo was moved from the paternity list to the restricted list Wednesday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo hit the paternity list Sunday, but players can only miss three games with that designation. He's not quite ready to return, so he'll move to the restricted list for now. Franchy Cordero will start in left field in his absence against the Rays on Thursday.
Aug 10 2021Verdugo (paternity) likely won't rejoin the team until Thursday's game against the Rays, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was placed on the paternity list prior to Sunday's game, and per Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican, he's set to fly back to Boston on Wednesday night, meaning he won't be back with the club until Thursday. Per MLB rules, a player is only able to spend three games on the paternity list, so it seems likely that Boston will be forced to play a man short Wednesday with Verdugo being activated.
Aug 8 2021Verdugo was placed on the paternity list Sunday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo started the past 17 games for the Red Sox but will step away from the team for a few days in order to spend some time with his growing family. The 25-year-old should be back in action Wednesday or Thursday against the Rays.
Aug 7 2021Verdugo went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and two singles in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo came up clutch with a solo home run to dead center off Jose Berrios to tie the game at one in the sixth inning. While his teammates struggled to figure out Berrios, Verdugo accounted for three of the five hits allowed by the right-hander on the night. The fiery outfielder is now hitting .362 against the Blue Jays this season with three home runs and nine RBI.
Jul 26 2021Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored in Monday's 5-4 win over Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo opened the scoring with an RBI single in the second inning. The outfielder came up clutch in the eighth, as his first homer since June 15 put Boston ahead for good. The 25-year-old is slashing .275/.342/.422 with 10 long balls, 39 RBI, 62 runs scored and five stolen bases through 392 plate appearances.
Jul 23 2021Verdugo batted seventh and went 3-for-4 with two runs scored in Thursday's 5-4 extra-inning win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo, who entered the contest with just one hit over 14 at-bats since returning from the All-Star break, was a key offensive contributor late in the game. In the seventh inning, he scored on a short sacrifice fly that featured a textbook slide into home. Then he started a two-run, ninth-inning rally that sent the game into extras. After batting out of the two hole for most of the season, Verdugo was recently dropped in the order as part of a shakeup.
Jul 21 2021Verdugo isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo dropped to sixth in the order Monday and went 0-for-2 with two runs, three walks and a strikeout. He'll get a day off while Danny Santana starts in left field and bats second.
Jul 19 2021Verdugo is playing left field and batting sixth in Monday's game against the Blue Jays, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo had hit second in all but one of his starts to begin the season, but manager Alex Cora will attempt to shake things up after the outfielder went 1-for-16 with an RBI, a stolen base and five strikeouts across the last four games. Jarren Duran will shift to second in the order Monday, but it's not yet clear whether the change will remain in place going forward.
Jul 5 2021Verdugo is out of the lineup Monday against the Angels, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo started the past six games and will head to the bench Sunday after going 7-for-25 (.280 average) with two doubles, an RBI and six runs during that stretch. Marwin Gonzalez will work in left field in his place.
Jul 4 2021Verdugo went 2-for-3 with two doubles, a walk and a run scored in Sunday's 1-0 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo reached base safely three times in a game that lacked offense. He was the only player from either team that had two hits and they were both doubles off James Kaprielian. In addition, he scored the game's only run. The 25-year-old is slashing .277/.344/.430 with nine long balls, 33 RBI and 52 runs scored. However, he has cooled down recently, batting .205 with just one RBI and eight runs over his last 11 games.
Jun 30 2021Verdugo went 1-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo singled his first time up and came around to score to give the Red Sox an early 2-1 lead. He later drew walks in the fourth and sixth and scored for a second time on an RBI double to right by J.D. Martinez. The 25-year-old is slashing .277/.345/.435 with nine homers, 32 RBI, 49 runs scored, four steals and a 28:42 BB:K over 310 plate appearances. He's on pace to set many offensive career-highs.
Jun 28 2021Verdugo will sit Monday against the Royals, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo hits the bench after starting 16 straight games. he slumped to a .227/.311/.333 line over that stretch and has just two hits in his last five games. Marwin Gonzalez will take over in left field in his absence.
Jun 15 2021Verdugo went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and two runs scored Tuesday against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo delivered the game-winning three-run homer in the eighth inning to record his ninth long ball of the season. It was his second consecutive multi-hit game, which raised his batting average to .291 across 258 plate appearances on the campaign. Verdugo has also chipped in 40 runs scored, 31 RBI and four stolen bases this season.
Jun 14 2021Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Monday's 2-1 victory over Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo got Boston on the board in the third inning with an RBI double to left field. He's now slashing .288/.348/.459 with eight homers and 28 RBI through 61 contests in 2021.
Jun 12 2021Verdugo went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, a run scored and a walk in Friday's win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Aside from recording three hits, Verdugo also plated home the game-winning run following a ninth-inning RBI single that scored Danny Santana. This was Verdugo's third multi-hit game over his last six contests, and he's hitting .324 with a .877 OPS across 10 games this month.
Jun 10 2021Verdugo (back) went 0-for-5 in Thursday's 12-8 win over Houston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outfielder was the only one of Boston's starting nine to come up empty Thursday. Fruitless efforts have been rare for Verdugo this year. He's slashing. 285/.343/.458 with eight home runs, 26 RBI, 36 runs scored and four stolen bases across 236 plate appearances. He's battled back tightness recently, so he could be given further rest if the injury flares up again.
Jun 9 2021Verdugo is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros due to back tightness, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Alex Cora admitted the injury played a factor in Verdugo being held out of the lineup during Tuesday's 7-1 loss, but the Red Sox are hopeful that with an additional day off to recover, the outfielder will be good to go for Thursday's series finale. J.D. Martinez will spell Verdugo in left field Wednesday.
Jun 8 2021Verdugo is not starting Tuesday against the Astros, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo will get a rest after starting 12 straight games. Marwin Gonzalez will start in left field in his absence.
Jun 7 2021Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Monday's 5-3 win over Miami. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo doubled to left field in the bottom of the third inning, plating his team's second run of the contest on the way to victory. The outfielder is in the midst of a modest five-game hitting streak and is 9-for-28 with three extra-base hits, two RBI and one stolen base through seven games in June.
Jun 6 2021Verdugo went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in a 6-5 win over the Yankees on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo tagged New York starter Domingo German for a 446-foot blast in the first inning but was otherwise quiet on the game. The young outfielder has posted comparable numbers to last season's breakout campaign with a .289/.333/.422 slash line, eight home runs, 36 runs, 25 RBI and four stolen bases.
May 28 2021Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Friday's 5-2 win over Miami in six innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo put Boston ahead with a three-run blast off Miami starter Cody Poteet in the fifth inning. When the game was called due to poor weather conditions, Verdugo's long ball was the decisive hit. He's now slashing .293/.352/.471 with seven homers, 23 RBI, 32 runs scored and three stolen bases across 193 plate appearances this year.
May 25 2021Verdugo (hamstring) will bat second and play left field Tuesday against Atlanta, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo missed a pair of starts over the weekend after leaving Friday's game against the Phillies with a tight left hamstring. He's ready to go following Monday's off day and will look to build on his 10-for-22 showing over his last seven games.
May 23 2021Verdugo (hamstring) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, manager Alex Cora said that Verdugo, Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez are all sitting out Sunday in order to get multiple days of maintenance with a team off day coming Monday. The rest should prove most beneficial for Verdugo, who has been bothered by a tight left hamstring since exiting Friday's series opener in Philadelphia. Danny Santana will cover center field Sunday in Verdugo's stead.
May 22 2021Verdugo (hamstring) won't play Saturday against the Phillies, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Alex Cora said the team will likely stay away from Verdugo on Saturday after he exited Friday's game with left hamstring tightness. The team will check on him again Sunday. If it turns out to be a strain, Verdugo could require a stint on the injured list. With the Red Sox playing in a National League park, J.D. Martinez will likely man left field in Verdugo's stead.
May 21 2021Verdugo left Friday's game against the Phillies in the sixth inning with left hamstring tightness, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo went 3-for-3 with two runs scored before exiting. He was replaced in center field by Enrique Hernandez.
May 19 2021Verdugo went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 7-3 win over Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo kept his bat hot with a first-inning blast off Toronto starter Ross Stripling. In his last three games started, Verdugo has gone 6-for-13 with two homers, three RBI and three runs scored. The outfielder sports a .288/.347/.468 slash line with six homers, 19 RBI, 28 runs scored and three stolen bases in 41 games overall. With Enrique Hernandez back from a hamstring injury and patrolling center field, the bulk of Verdugo's playing time will now come in left field.
May 16 2021Verdugo is out of the lineup Sunday against the Angels, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo started the past 10 games and will receive a breather in Sunday's series finale. J.D. Martinez, Hunter Renfroe and Marwin Gonzalez will start from left to right in the outfield while Xander Bogaerts serves as the designated hitter.
May 15 2021Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored during Saturday's 9-0 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old started the scoring with a solo homer during the first inning, and he also came around to score on Xander Bogaerts' three-run shot during the fifth inning. Verdugo has a .279/.337/.442 slash line with five home runs, seven doubles, 17 RBI, three stolen bases and 27 runs in 38 games this season.
May 8 2021Verdugo went 3-for-6 with a run scored in Saturday's 11-6 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old rapped out his fourth multi-hit performance in the last six games. Verdugo's hot streak has pushed his slash line on the season to .311/.368/.487 with four homers, three steals, 16 RBI and 23 runs through 31 contests.
May 6 2021Verdugo (back) is starting Thursday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was dealing with lower-back tightness Wednesday that forced him to be scratched from the lineup, but he'll be back in action just a day later. He'll start in left field and bat second in Thursday's series finale against Detroit.
May 5 2021Verdugo was scratched from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers more specifically due to lower-back tightness, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo's removal from the starting nine was initially attributed to an unspecified "back issue," according to Ian Browne of MLB.com, but the team provided more clarity on the nature of his injury soon after. The Red Sox don't seem overly concerned about Verdugo's situation, as his absence is being described as precautionary more than anything due to the wet field conditions in Boston. Verdugo is day-to-day and could be cleared to rejoin the lineup for Thursday's series finale.
May 4 2021Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk Tuesday against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo went yard in the second inning to record his fourth home run of the season. He now has at least one hit in four of his last five games, though the long ball was only his second extra-base hit in that span. For the campaign, Verdugo has managed a .314/.379/.520 line with 21 runs scored and 14 RBI across 116 plate appearances.
Apr 29 2021Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a double, walk and run as Boston fell 4-1 to Texas on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo walked in the third and led off the sixth with a double before coming around to score on Rafael Devers' two-out double. It was Verdugo's first hit since returning from injury and he appears to be healthy.
Apr 28 2021Verdugo (hamstring) will start in right field and bat second Wednesday against the Mets, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo's aching left hamstring kept him out of the lineup for both of the past two games, but he seemingly proved his health in Tuesday's 2-1 win, when he came off the bench to play the final inning of the game in left field. Now that he's back in the lineup, Verdugo will look to continue the hot run at the plate he had enjoyed prior to picking up the hamstring cramp. Over his last three starts, Verdugo recorded seven hits in 14 at-bats.
Apr 27 2021Verdugo (hamstring) is available off the bench Tuesday against the Mets, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It sounds like this will be his last day out of the lineup, and he may even appear in this contest as a pinch hitter. J.D. Martinez is starting in left field in the National League park while Enrique Hernandez starts in center field.
Apr 26 2021Verdugo (hamstring) may not play Tuesday but is expected to be back by Wednesday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was a late scratch Sunday, and Boston has an off-day Monday. Typically, the two off-days are enough for a player, but Red Sox manager Alex Cora indicated he may give Verdugo a third day before stepping in against Mets ace Jacob DeGrom on Wednesday.
Apr 25 2021The Red Sox scratched Verdugo (hamstring) from the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After exiting Saturday's contest with left hamstring cramping, Verdugo was initially cleared to play Sunday, but the Red Sox decided to exercise some extra caution with the outfielder due to the wet field conditions in Boston for the series finale. Verdugo may still be available off the bench Sunday, and he'll most likely be ready to return to an everyday role in the outfield for the start of Boston's road trip, which begins Tuesday.
Apr 24 2021Verdugo was dealing with left hamstring cramps during Saturday's loss to the Mariners, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a double and one run in Saturday's loss, but he appeared to be bothered by his hamstring throughout most of the game. He was able to remain in the contest, and manager Alex Cora didn't sound concerned about the issue after the game. However, it's not yet clear whether the issue will impact Verdugo's availability for Sunday's series finale against Seattle.
Apr 23 2021Verdugo went 3-for-5 with two runs scored in Friday's 6-5 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old continues to produce for the Red Sox. Verdugo has a hit in six straight starts, and on the season he's batting .316 (24-for-76) with three homers, two steals, 13 RBI and 16 runs through 20 games.
Apr 22 2021Verdugo went 2-for-5 with a triple and two stolen bases Thursday against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo began his productive contest with a one-out triple in the first inning but was ultimately stranded at third base. He reached base again two frames later, this team stealing both second and third base -- his first two stolen bases of the season -- before being stranded. Verdugo has maintained a .296/.350/.521 line with three home runs, 14 runs scored and 13 RBI across 80 plate appearances to begin the campaign.
Apr 20 2021Verdugo will not start Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo owns a 1.184 OPS over his last seven games but will find himself on the bench for just the second time this season. J.D. Martinez, Enrique Hernandez and Hunter Renfroe will fill out Boston's outfield in his absence.
Apr 16 2021Verdugo went 1-for-4 with a three-run double in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo's bases-clearing double with two outs in the eighth inning knotted the game at three runs apiece and gave him nine RBI over the last five games. The heroics, however, went for naught, as Adam Ottavino allowed the winning run to score an inning later. The outfielder is on a tear, notching 13 hits over his last 37 at-bats (.351/.419/.649).
Apr 14 2021Verdugo was a combined 5-for-8 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored over both games of Wednesday's doubleheader sweep over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo had an important hand in each game. The outfielder preserved the daytime affair with a diving, sliding catch of a sinking liner that was the final out of a 3-2 win. In the nightcap, Verdugo laced a two-run single to snap a 1-1 tie in Boston's six-run fifth inning. He continued to mash opposition pitching, having gone 12-for-33 with two homers, four doubles, eight RBI and 11 runs scored over the last eight contests.
Apr 12 2021Verdugo isn't in the lineup for Monday's game against the Twins, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo hit a three-run homer in Sunday's 14-9 win over the Orioles, but he'll get a breather for Monday's series opener while Hunter Renfroe (undisclosed) starts in center field. Verdugo has gone 7-for-33 with a home run, four doubles, nine runs and five RBI through eight games this year.
Apr 9 2021Verdugo went 2-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored in Thursday's 7-3 win over Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo, who was given a rest day Wednesday, returned to action and extended his hit streak to three games. He opened the season hitless in 11 at-bats during a three-game sweep by the Orioles at Fenway Park, one of several Boston hitters who slumped during the series. Since then, Verdugo is 5-for-13 with four doubles, two RBI and five runs scored.
Apr 7 2021Verdugo isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo had started each of the first five games of the season and went 3-for-19 with two doubles and two RBI. Enrique Hernandez will shift to center field with Christian Arroyo starting at second base Wednesday.
Mar 24 2021Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's spring game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has hit in three straight games, but he's struggled overall in Grapefruit League to the tune of a .185 average (5-for-27) with seven strikeouts. The outfielder is expected to play a prominent role in Boston's lineup while hitting out of the No. 2 spot.
Mar 6 2021Verdugo started in center field, batted second, and went 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored in Friday's spring game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo's spring debut was pushed back while the outfielder worked on his swing, which he felt wasn't where it needed to be. The Red Sox haven't set a specific spot for him defensively or in the batting order, but he will likely be the primary center fielder while also playing right field, which manager Alex Cora feels is a tougher spot at Fenway Park, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. "In Fenway, I don't know how much value you guys give center field, but I give right field a lot of value," said the skipper. A plan where Verdugo plays center field on the road and right field at home is likely. As for his spot in the order, Verdugo was Boston's primary leadoff hitter in 2020, but Cora wants to see Enrique Hernandez and Franchy Cordero in that role during spring training. However it shakes out, expect to see Verdugo in the upper-third of the order.
Mar 4 2021Verdugo is expected to make his spring debut Friday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's odd that a key player like Verdugo has not appeared in any of the first four Grapefruit League games, but Boston manager Alex Cora said there's no injury here. Rather, it's merely a matter of Verdugo getting his swing in shape. "He feels like he's not ready for action, although he's been on the back fields facing a lot of guys," Cora said. "I told him not to rush. I think Friday [and] Sunday is pretty good for him." Verdugo was Boston's primary leadoff hitter in 2020, but Cora is getting a good look at Enrique Hernandez in that role, which could push Verdugo into the middle of the order.
Feb 20 2021Boston manager Alex Cora is considering multiple options to bat leadoff during spring training, including Verdugo, who led off the most for the Red Sox in 2020, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cora talked up Verdugo's stint at leadoff but also mentioned having a few ideas atop the order. He didn't get into specifics, but Franchy Cordero or Enrique Hernandez could bat there. Verdugo had an .804 OPS with 27 runs scored and three stolen bases over 33 games as the leadoff batter.
Sep 26 2020Manager Ron Roenicke said Verdugo isn't expected to play in Sunday's season finale in Atlanta, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old missed a couple games last week with hamstring tightness but returned to start the next five games, though he's 3-for-21 with three runs, three walks and seven strikeouts during that stretch. There's been no indication that Verdugo aggravated the injury, but it appears the Red Sox will express some caution heading into the final game of the season. Assuming he doesn't see the field Sunday, Verdugo will finish 2020 with a .308/.367/.478 slash line, six homers, 16 doubles, 36 runs, 15 RBI and four stolen bases in 53 games.
Sep 22 2020Verdugo (hamstring) is starting Tuesday against the Orioles, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo missed the final two games of Boston's weekend series after leaving Friday's game with left hamstring tightness. However, the Red Sox had a day off Monday, and Verdugo will return to the starting nine Tuesday as he leads off and plays right field.
Sep 20 2020Verdugo (hamstring) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Yankees, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old was lifted from Friday's contest with left hamstring tightness as a precaution, but he's now missing his second consecutive game. The Red Sox have a scheduled off day Monday, so Verdugo will benefit from two extra days of rest by sitting out Sunday. Per Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe, he won't be available off the bench in Sunday's series finale. Cesar Puello will take over in right field for the Red Sox, batting seventh.
Sep 19 2020Verdugo (hamstring) won't play Saturday against the Yankees, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo left Friday's game as a precautionary measure due to left hamstring tightness, and the issue will keep him out of Saturday's lineup. It's unclear who will take his place in the lineup after Yairo Munoz (back) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday.
Sep 18 2020Verdugo was removed from Friday's game against the Yankees as a precautionary measure with left hamstring tightness, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo left Friday's game in the top of the third inning as he was clutching his hamstring, and his initial diagnosis is that he's dealing with hamstring tightness. He should be considered day-to-day until more is known about the injury.
Sep 13 2020Verdugo is getting the day off Sunday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He is out of the lineup for the series finale in Tampa Bay and manager Ron Roenicke confirmed that it is simply an off day for the young outfielder. Yairo Munoz will start in right field and lead off.
Sep 8 2020Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a second run scored during a 6-5 loss to the Phillies in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took Zach Eflin deep in the fifth inning for his sixth long ball of the year, going back-to-back with Rafael Devers. Verdugo then hit the bench for the nightcap. The blast ended a 21-game homer drought for the 24-year-old, but he was hardly struggling during that time, hitting .341 (28-for-82) with three steals, five RBI and 18 runs.
Sep 6 2020Verdugo is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo will sit Sunday against lefty Robbie Ray, with manager Ron Roenicke noting that it's just a routine day off for the 24-year-old. Yairo Munoz starts in right field, batting leadoff. Verdugo is slashing .309/.356/.536 against righties and .320/.393/.460 against southpaws so far this season.
Sep 2 2020Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk and two runs scored Wednesday against the Braves. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo helped jumpstart Boston's offense from the beginning of the game, earning a leadoff walk and immediately coming around to score on a double by Rafael Devers. He collected a double and single thereafter, notching his third consecutive multi-hit game. Verdugo is now hitting .315/.373/.531 with five home runs, 13 RBI and 26 runs scored across 142 plate appearances.
Aug 31 2020Verdugo went 3-for-4 with three doubles and two runs scored in Monday's 6-3 loss to Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With a trio of doubles Monday, Verdugo has four in the last two games and 12 for the season. He's sporting a strong .306/.364/.529 slash line with 23 runs scored on the year.
Aug 29 2020Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both of Verdugo's hits were singles. After his first-inning single, he scored on a Xander Bogaerts three-run homer. Verdugo added his third stolen base of the year in the fifth inning. The outfielder is slashing .295/.358/.500 with five homers, 12 RBI and 20 runs scored over 31 games this season.
Aug 27 2020Verdugo went 0-for-4 in Wednesday's 9-1 loss to the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was one of several bats silenced by the Blue Jays as Boston managed just three hits. The hitless night ended Verdugo's hitting streak at 14 games.
Aug 23 2020Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Boston manager Ron Roenicke will keep two of his left-handed bats (Verdugo and Mitch Moreland) on the bench in the series finale with southpaw Wade LeBlanc on the hill for Baltimore. J.D. Martinez will move into the outfield while Verdugo rests, allowing top catcher Christian Vazquez to slot in as Boston's designated hitter.
Aug 22 2020Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's 8-5 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo once again displayed frenetic energy on the basepaths, stretching a single into a double and put himself in position to score on Michael Chavis' two-run single. He extended his hitting streak to 12 games and is tied for the team lead with 15 runs.
Aug 20 2020Verdugo went 1-for-3 with two walks, a stolen base and two runs scored in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has hit safely in 10 straight games, slashing .308/.386/.590 during the streak. He also notched his second steal of the last four games and scampered home to score Boston's fifth run on a Rafael Devers' double. He's not going to make the Red Sox forget Mookie Betts, but Verdugo has been one of Boston's leading hitters in 2020, ranking second on the team with an .886 OPS.
Aug 16 2020Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base in Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo got aboard with a double in the seventh inning and stole third with two outs, but he couldn't come around to score. It was his first stolen base of the season. Verdugo has hit safely in each of his last seven games, going 9-for-28 (.321) with two homers, four runs scored and four RBI in that span. He's batting .286 with five homers, eight RBI and nine runs scored in addition to Sunday's steal in 20 games overall.
Aug 15 2020Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in a loss to the Yankees on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo went deep for the second straight game, blasting a 433-foot shot to right field in the ninth inning. The 24-year-old has collected at least one hit in 10 of his last 11 contests, going 12-for-40 (.300) with five home runs and eight RBI over that span.
Aug 8 2020Verdugo is leading off in Saturday's game against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has swung a hot bat recently with three home runs in the past two games, so he'll take the place of Andrew Benintendi atop Boston's lineup. Given the 24-year-old's usual place near the bottom of the order, it's unclear whether his role as the leadoff hitter will continue going forward.
Aug 7 2020Verdugo could move up to the leadoff spot at some point soon, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has hit eighth sixth or seventh in all of his appearances thus far. Regular leadoff man Andrew Benintendi certainly hasn't lived up to the role, hitting a miserable .069/.289/.103 in 39 plate appearances. Verdugo hasn't stated a great case himself, though, hitting a modest .258/.324/.355 in 34 trips to the plate.
Aug 5 2020Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run Wednesday against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After sitting against a few southpaws already this season, Verdugo stayed in the lineup even with Ryan Yarbrough on the mound. He delivered with his first home run of the season in the fourth inning to give the Red Sox a 2-0 lead. Verdugo has collected eight hits in 33 plate appearances, though the long ball was his first extra-base hit of the campaign.
Aug 2 2020Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With southpaw James Paxton on the hill for New York, the lefty-hitting Verdugo will sit out the series finale, opening up a spot in right field for J.D. Martinez. Verdugo had started Boston's last four games, going 2-for-14 with five strikeouts and two walks.
Jul 28 2020Verdugo is not in the lineup against lefty David Peterson and the Mets on Tuesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has now been benched against two of the three lefties Boston has faced thus far. Kevin Pillar will start in right field in his absence.
Jul 26 2020Verdugo went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Saturday's 7-2 loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo made his debut for Boston after he was held out of Friday's opener due to Baltimore starting a left-hander. He's not expected to sit against every lefty, but manager Ron Roenicke wants to get Kevin Pillar in the lineup against southpaws, so Verdugo or Jackie Bradley or Andrew Benintendi could sit on those occasions. Verdugo made his case for an everyday lineup spot Saturday, compiling three singles and running the bases with abandon, going from first to third on a single and taking second on a wild pitch.
Jul 24 2020Verdugo isn't in the lineup for Friday's season opener against the Orioles, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old's starting debut in Boston won't come on Opening Day with left-hander Tommy Milone taking the mound for Baltimore. Kevin Pillar receives the start in right field for the Red Sox. Righty Alex Cobb is poised to pitch for the Orioles in the second game of the series, so Verdugo should be in Saturday's lineup.
Jul 5 2020Verdugo was allowed to step into the batter's box for Saturday's simulated game, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo wasn't scheduled to bat against Nathan Eovaldi, one of the hardest throwers in the majors, but he asked to face him and manager Ron Roenicke obliged. The outfielder saw it as a way to test the stress fracture in his back that limited him during spring training and threatened his availability for the start of the regular season before the pandemic put a temporary halt to the 2020 season. "I took a full swing, I swung and missed and had no pain, no discomfort," Verdugo said. "That was really reassuring. That's really what this is about. It's just to get my timing back and to reassure that my body, physically everything, is handling the progression." Verdugo is expected to be ready to roll when the season opens up in three weeks.
May 4 2020Verdugo (back) said Monday that he feels "100 percent" physically and relayed that he has resumed hitting at the Red Sox's spring training facility in Florida, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. "Whenever the season starts, I'll be ready," Verdugo said. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Before the Red Sox acquired him from Los Angeles in February, Verdugo had been limited during the offseason by an oblique injury he suffered last August, but it was a stress fracture in his back that kept him sidelined throughout spring training. The back issue looked like it would force him to the injured list to begin the season, but the MLB's ongoing hiatus has since afforded him sufficient recovery time. Whenever the Red Sox are cleared to resume full-squad workouts, Verdugo's activity may be monitored carefully, but assuming he avoids any further setbacks, he should get the green light to play when the season begins. A healthy Verdugo should fill at least the strong side of a platoon in the outfield, with Kevin Pillar likely moving into a fourth-outfielder role as a result.
Apr 14 2020Red Sox interim manager Ron Roenicke said Tuesday that Verdugo (back) has not been able to progress as quickly as the team hoped because of the shutdown, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Two weeks ago, general manager Chaim Bloom addressed the media and said Verdugo was "coming along well" in his recovery from a stress fracture in his back. It sounds like Roenicke's tune was slightly different; Verdugo has been swinging but apparently it has been difficult for him to do all of the rehab work from home. While it's a bit disconcerting how long this issue has been lingering, Verdugo could still end up being ready for games whenever play resumes.
Mar 31 2020Red Sox general manager Chaim Bloom said Monday that Verdugo is "coming along well" in his recovery from a stress fracture in his back, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo had resumed swinging prior to the league-wide shutdown, though he wasn't expected to be ready to play by Opening Day. He still doesn't have a concrete timetable, and Bloom's update doesn't add a ton of clarity to the outfielder's situation, but the delayed season presumably gives Verdugo a shot to not miss any time. A more precise timeline for the Red Sox's new right fielder should emerge once teams are able to resume baseball activities.
Mar 10 2020Verdugo (back) took 20 swings in a batting cage Monday and took part in on-field agility drills, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The young outfielder has been battling a stress fracture in his back. He hasn't officially been ruled out for Opening Day, but time is getting quite short for him to build up to game shape with just over two weeks until the season starts. The fact that he was able to resume baseball activities suggests he shouldn't miss too much time to start the year.
Mar 8 2020Verdugo (back) is still not ready to swing a bat, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox were hopeful Verdugo would begin swinging this past week, but the back injury continues to delay the outfielder. "We're just not there yet," interim manager Ron Roenicke said. When camp started, it was presumed Verdugo's availability for Opening Day was iffy. Now, the question is how long into the regular season the Red Sox will be without their presumptive starting right fielder.
Mar 1 2020Verdugo (back) could begin taking swings sometime this week, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 23-year-old has reportedly been making good progress in his rehab work, but not swinging a bat has remained a hurdle for his return from a strained oblique and stress fracture in his back. Interim manager Ron Roenicke previously indicated Verdugo could be ready for Grapefruit League games in mid-March, and swinging a bat this week would be a significant step in that projection becoming reality.
Feb 25 2020Interim manager Ron Roenicke said Tuesday that Verdugo (back/oblique) is "coming along well" in the rehab process and could be ready to play in Grapefruit League games by mid-March, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The skipper noted that Verdugo still hasn't swung a bat this spring, so he'll have to clear that hurdle -- among several others in his rehab from a stress fracture in his back and a strained oblique -- before his availability for game action can be considered imminent. Roenicke's comments at least suggest that Verdugo hasn't been ruled out for Opening Day, though at this stage, the outfielder seems more likely to begin the campaign on the 10-day injured list.
Feb 21 2020Verdugo (back/oblique) is running outside and throwing Thursday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the first time the 23-year-old has thrown since September, so it appears to be a significant step as he works his way back up to full strength from an oblique strain and stress fracture in his back. Verdugo remains without a timeline for his return, leaving his status for Opening Day as questionable, at best.
Feb 15 2020Verdugo is dealing with a stress fracture in his back as the Red Sox begin spring training and might not be ready for Opening Day, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo was forced to miss the final two months of the 2019 season, and the Red Sox are bringing him along slowly to begin spring training. The team is reportedly happy with his progress in his rehab, but it will likely exercise caution. However, interim manager Ron Roenicke said Saturday that Verdugo might not be ready for Opening Day even if everything goes according to plan. The 23-year-old will likely serve as an everyday player for Boston once he's healthy after he was acquired via trade earlier in February.
Feb 13 2020Verdugo (oblique) may not be ready for Opening Day, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo is still working past a back/oblique injury that kept him sidelined for the final two months of the 2019 season, leaving his status for the start of the 2020 season in question. The Red Sox apparently knew of this possibility prior to trading for Verdugo, which explains the team's decision to sign veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar. Once healthy, Verdugo figures to fill an everyday role for Boston after slashing .294/.342/.475 across 106 games last season.
Feb 11 2020Verdugo (oblique) was mentioned along with Andrew Benintendi as a possible leadoff man by interim manager Ron Roenicke, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo should benefit from his recent trade from the Dodgers, as he should fill an everyday role in the outfield and has a good shot to be a key piece in the Red Sox's lineup. Mookie Betts' move to Los Angeles in that trade certainly weakens Boston's offense, but hitting in front of Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and J.D. Martinez is still quite a good spot to be.
Feb 9 2020Verdugo (oblique) will join the Red Sox following an agreed upon deal with the Dodgers on Sunday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An agreement has been reached that will send Verdugo, Jeter Downs and catching prospect Connor Wong to Boston in return for Mookie Betts and David Price. Verdugo was putting together a breakout season before straining his oblique in August, hitting .294/.342/.475 in 106 games prior to the injury. The 23-year-old is expected to replace Betts in right field after arriving in Boston.
Feb 8 2020Verdugo's (oblique) reported move to the Red Sox hit a snag Saturday as the Twins withdrew from their portion of the three-team trade, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox weren't happy with what they saw in Brusdar Graterol's medical history and demanded an extra prospect from the Twins to complete the deal. The two sides weren't close on what the caliber of that prospect should be, so the Twins elected to withdraw from the pact. The Dodgers and Red Sox are still expected to find a way to complete the trade, which would send Verdugo to Boston with Mookie Betts and David Price going the other way, but for now, Verdugo remains with Los Angeles.
Feb 4 2020Verdugo (oblique) was traded from the Dodgers to the Red Sox in exchange for Mookie Betts and David Price as part of a three-team trade with the Twins on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Twins' portion of the deal includes acquiring Kenta Maeda from the Dodgers and sending pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol to the Red Sox. Verdugo went down with an oblique injury in early August and missed the rest of the regular season and playoffs, but he was in the midst of a breakout season with a .294/.342/.475 slash line in 106 games prior to the injury. The 23-year-old figures to replace Betts in right field for the Red Sox.
Dec 13 2019Verdugo (oblique) has yet to resume baseball activities, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An oblique strain has kept Verdugo off the field since early August. His goal is to be ready to play by Opening Day, but he'll need to make some tangible progress before it's clear that will be possible.
Oct 3 2019Verdugo (oblique) isn't expected to play this postseason, JP Hoornstra of The Orange County Register reports.
Oct 3 2019Verdugo (oblique) isn't expected to play this postseason, JP Hoornstra of The Orange County Register reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo has been sidelined since Aug. 4 due to a right oblique strain, and while the Dodgers were initially optimistic about the outfielder's chances of returning for the playoffs, it now appears his 2019 campaign is over. "It's not bad," said Verdugo. "It's just when I get to that little extra range, that full range is when I feel a little bit of it." When asked about Verdugo's recovery process, skipper Dave Roberts stated "It's slow. He's moving around as you see. But as far as baseball activities, he's really not doing a whole lot. So, to see him ready at all this postseason - very unlikely."
Sep 17 2019Verdugo (back) has been ruled out for the NLDS, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The soonest he will be able to return would be for Game 1 of the NLCS, which is scheduled for Oct. 11. Verdugo has been on the shelf since Aug. 4.
Sep 13 2019Verdugo (oblique) still isn't taking part in baseball activities, and he's "very unlikely" to be ready for the first round of the postseason, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo continues to struggle to make progress after suffering a back injury while rehabbing from an oblique strain. At this point, it doesn't appear that he'll be ready to return until early-to-mid-October. The Dodgers should have another update on his timetable once he's cleared to resume baseball activities.
Sep 10 2019Verdugo (back/oblique) has been shut down for a few days, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo hurt his back while rehabbing an oblique injury last week. His return timetable likely won't become clear until he starts progressing again. The Dodgers recalled Edwin Rios as an extra bat off the bench Tuesday due to Verdugo's lack of progress.
Sep 7 2019Manager Dave Roberts said Verdugo (back/oblique) is rehabbing at the Dodgers' spring training facility in Arizona but his progress is "stagnant right now," Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The young outfielder was pulled from his rehab assignment with rookie-level Ogden on Wednesday after feeling some back tightness. Verdugo was expected to rejoin the Dodgers during the upcoming week, but he now has no clear timeline for his return.
Sep 4 2019Verdugo (oblique) stopped his rehab assignment after feeling back tightness Wednesday, Pedro Moura of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo played two games with rookie-level Ogden before having the back issue crop up. The 23-year-old was expected to return from the right oblique strain next week, but he now might head to the team's spring-training facility in Arizona. Verdugo has no official timetable for his return, but the Dodgers still believe he can rejoin the team prior to the playoffs.
Sep 3 2019Verdugo (oblique) is expected to rejoin the Dodgers ahead of next week's three-game series against the Orioles, which begins Tuesday, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Verdugo began a rehab assignment with rookie-level Ogden on Monday and will spend about a week getting back up to speed after missing a month due to the right oblique strain. The 23-year-old had a .294/.342/.475 slash line with 12 homers in 106 games prior to the injury.
Sep 2 2019Verdugo (oblique) will have a chance to return from the injured list during Los Angeles' upcoming series with Baltimore, which runs from Sept. 10 to Sept. 12, J.P.
Aug 31 2019Verdugo (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with rookie-level Ogden on Sunday in the hopes of being activated for next weekend's series against the Giants, Jorge
Aug 30 2019Verdugo (oblique) is expected to go on a rehab assignment during the minor-league playoffs early next week, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
Aug 28 2019Verdugo continues to experience oblique soreness and won't be activated the first week of September, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.
Aug 24 2019Verdugo (oblique) has resumed baseball activities, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.
Aug 20 2019Verdugo is still experiencing oblique discomfort and will not rejoin the Dodgers until at least Sept. 1, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.
Aug 13 2019Verdugo (oblique) is rehabbing in Arizona at Camelback Ranch, though he's yet to be cleared to resume baseball activities, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register
Aug 9 2019Verdugo (oblique) could miss two weeks, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.
Aug 6 2019Verdugo was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to a right oblique strain.
Aug 5 2019Verdugo was scratched from Monday's starting lineup against the Cardinals due to a back issue, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Aug 1 2019Verdugo (knee) was scratched from Thursday's lineup against the Padres.
Jul 28 2019Verdugo is not in the lineup for Sunday's game at Washington, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.
Jul 28 2019Verdugo is not in the lineup for Sunday's game at Washington, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 21 2019Verdugo is not in the lineup Sunday <\/a> against the the Marlins.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 21 2019Verdugo is not in the lineup Sunday <\/a> against the Marlins.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 18 2019Verdugo went 1-for-4 with a walk and solo home run Thursday against the Phillies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 17 2019Verdugo is not starting Wednesday<\/a> against the Phillies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 13 2019Verdugo is not starting Saturday<\/a> against the Red Sox.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 30 2019Verdugo is not in the lineup for Sunday's game at Colorado, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 28 2019Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and three runs scored in Friday's 13-9 loss to the Rockies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 22 2019Verdugo went 4-for-6 with a double, two solo home runs and a third run scored in Saturday's 5-4 extra-innings win over the Rockies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 16 2019Verdugo is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 16 2019Verdugo went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Cubs.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 9 2019Verdugo is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 8 2019Verdugo (back) will bat sixth and play center field Saturday against the Giants, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 7 2019Verdugo isn't in Friday's starting lineup against the Giants, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 7 2019Verdugo was held out of Friday's lineup against the Giants due to back tightness, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 30 2019Verdugo went 1-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a walk in Wednesday's come-from-behind, 9-8 win over the Mets.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 28 2019Verdugo isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 28 2019Verdugo (back) went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Monday's 9-5 win over the Mets.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 27 2019Verdugo is batting sixth and playing right field Monday against the Mets after sitting for the previous contest due to back tightness, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 26 2019Verdugo is not in the lineup for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh due to back tightness, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 24 2019Verdugo is not in the lineup<\/a> for Friday's game against the Pirates.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 19 2019Verdugo went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and three RBI to help the Dodgers to an 8-3 win over the Reds on Sunday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 9 2019Verdugo is not in the lineup Thursday against the Nationals, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 19 2018Verdugo went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and two doubles Monday in Triple-A Oklahoma City's 10-4 loss to Las Vegas.Verdugo is in the midst of his hottest stretch of the season, with Monday's contest marking his fifth straight with at least two hits. He has collected seven extra-base hits over that span and has failed to reach base just one of his 25 games since the Dodgers optioned him back to Triple-A. While Verdugo's .350 average and .914 OPS for Oklahoma City this season suggest he has nothing left to prove in the Pacific Coast League, he may have to wait for an injury to hit the Los Angeles outfield until he receives another extended look from the big club.
May 23 2018Verdugo is not in the lineup for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday after twisting his ankle during Tuesday's game, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.Verdugo exited Tuesday's minor-league game in the third inning after turning his ankle while making a throw. The injury isn't believe to be serious, per Gurnick, but the Dodgers will obviously proceed cautiously with one of their top prospects.
Apr 30 2018Dodgers manager Dave Roberts relayed Sunday that Verdugo would see significant playing time in the outfield following Yasiel Puig's (hip/foot) placement on the 10-day disabled list, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.Verdugo joined the Dodgers for their doubleheader Saturday against the Giants, starting in the second game of the twin bill and going 2-for-3 with a walk. The 21-year-old was on the bench for Sunday's 4-2 loss, but that likely had more to do with Roberts opting for a right-handed-heavy lineup to counter Giants southpaw Ty Blach. Based on Roberts' comments, Verdugo seems likely to start in all of the Dodgers' next three games against the Diamondbacks, who list right-handed pitchers as their probable starters for each of those contests. The promise of steady playing time along with Verdugo's standing as a top-tier prospect in the Dodgers organization could make him worth an activation in deeper or NL-only leagues this week.
Apr 28 2018Verdugo was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday. He is starting in right field and hitting eighth against the Giants.With Matt Kemp (quad) and Yasiel Puig (foot) dealing with minor ailments, the Dodgers decided to bring up Verdugo ahead of the second game of Saturday's twin bill. The 21-year-old prospect owns a .276/.309/.474 batting line and four homers through 81 plate appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season. It's unclear if he'll stick with the big club, but he could have the opportunity to earn playing time if Puig is forced to miss any time.
Apr 28 2018Verdugo was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday. He is starting in right field and hitting eighth against the Giants.With Matt Kemp (quad) and Yasiel Puig (foot) dealing with minor ailments, the Dodgers decided to bring up Verdugo ahead of the second game of Saturday's twin bill. The 21-year-old prospect owns a .276/.309/.474 batting line and four homers through 81 plate appearances with Oklahoma City this season. It's unclear if he'll stick with the big club, but he could have the opportunity to earn playing time if Puig is forced to miss any action.
Mar 20 2018Verdugo was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.Verdugo was in the mix for the Dodgers' left field job this spring but will start the season in the minors. The 21-year-old performed well with a .324 average and .979 OPS over 34 at-bats in spring training but Los Angeles is still considering the veteran options for the position, such as Matt Kemp, Joc Pederson and Andrew Toles.
Mar 1 2018Verdugo went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored in Thursday's spring training loss to the Indians.Verdugo has gotten off to a hot start this spring, going 4-for-12 with a pair of doubles through five games. The 21-year-old will have to keep this momentum going if he wants to usurp Matt Kemp and Joc Pederson for the left field job battle. The talented prospect should already be on dynasty-league owners' radars, but those in standard formats should monitor his progress this spring in the event he is able to earn a starting job.
Sep 10 2017Verdugo hit a pinch-hit home run in Sunday's loss to the Rockies.It was his third career hit and first career home run. Verdugo made four straight starts following his callup, but he's been on the bench for the Dodgers' last seven games. He's simply not playing enough to be worthwhile outside of deeper NL-only formats.
Sep 3 2017Verdugo will bat seventh in the order and draw the start in center field Sunday against the Padres.Verdugo made his MLB debut Friday and has started every game since. With Corey Seager (elbow) on the shelf, Chris Taylor has moved from center field to shortstop, opening the door for the 21-year-old to see regular playing time. Verdugo is 1-for-7 to start his career, but a .825 OPS at the Triple-A level suggests better things at the plate are to come.
Sep 1 2017Manager Dave Roberts said Friday afternoon that Verdugo will make his major league debut Friday night against the Padres, MLB Network Radio reports.It remains to be seen where Verdugo will slot into the lineup, but it appears his name will be in there somewhere when Roberts reveals his starters for Friday's contest.
Sep 1 2017Verdugo will start in center field and bat eighth Friday against the Padres.With Corey Seager (elbow) ruled out for the weekend, the door is open for Verdugo to make several starts right away following his promotion; Chris Taylor is needed at shortstop. Verdugo may not have standout power or speed, but he's displayed patience and exceptional contact skills at the upper levels of the minors. The Dodgers were adamant about holding onto him at the deadline.
Aug 31 2017The Dodgers will call up Verdugo from Triple-A Oklahoma City when rosters expand Friday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.There was previous speculation from J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News that the callup was coming Thursday, but this confirms Friday will mark Verdugo's arrival. The 21-year-old's immediate path to playing time may limit his appeal in most mixed fantasy leagues, but that could change if Corey Seager (elbow) is forced to miss extended time. Verdugo has breezed through Oklahoma City with a .314/.389/.436 performance, accompanied by six home runs, nine stolen bases, 52 walks and only 50 strikeouts across 495 plate appearances. His fantasy ceiling remains a hot subject of debate, especially since the Pacific Coast League often bolsters mediocre bats. However, his makeup points to a potential long-term, major-league starter. Perhaps he'll yield across-the-board value instead of doing so overwhelmingly in a particular stat category. The batting eye improvements he's made the last two seasons attest to his increasingly big-league-ready skills.
Aug 31 2017The Dodgers are calling up Verdugo from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.The 21-year-old's immediate path to playing time may not make him too valuable in most mixed fantasy leagues, but that could change if Corey Seager (elbow) is forced to miss extended time. Verdugo has breezed through Oklahoma City with a .314/.389/.436 performance, accompanied by six home runs, nine stolen bases, 52 walks and only 50 strikeouts across 495 plate appearances. His fantasy ceiling remains a hot subject of debate, especially since the Pacific Coast League often bolsters mediocre bats. However, his makeup points to a potential long-term, major-league starter. Perhaps he'll yield across-the-board value instead of doing so overwhelmingly in a particular stat category. The batting eye improvements he's made the last two seasons attest to his increasingly big-league-ready skills.
Jul 27 2017Verdugo was given a scheduled day off Thursday at Triple-A Oklahoma City, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.With the trade deadline approaching, Verdugo's absence from the lineup Thursday raised eyebrows initially. However, the club is simply giving Verdugo a scheduled day off heading into the weekend rather than removing him for anything related to a trade. Verdugo, the Dodgers' top outfield prospect, is slashing .328/.401/.446 with 51 RBI at Triple-A this season.
Jul 6 2017Verdugo is hitting .347/.417/.467 with three home runs and eight steals on nine attempts with an absurd 31:35 K:BB in 291 at-bats for Triple-A Oklahoma City.Verdugo, who just turned 21 in May, is having his way with Pacific Coast League pitchers, showing an incredibly advanced hit tool and approach. The one complaint would be the lack of above-average over-the-fence power, but the rest of the offensive profile is ready for primetime.
Jun 1 2017Verdugo, 21, is batting .317/.396/.398 with one home run, 24 RBI and two steals through 44 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City.Verdugo has been raking for the entire season, and he has more walks (22) than strikeouts (21) on the year. However, his power and stolen base numbers leave something to be desired. In addition, the Dodgers have a glut of outfielders, so it is unlikely Verdugo sees much playing time, if any, in the big leagues in 2017. Still, his hit tool is elite, and he should vie for an everyday position in 2018.