PLAYING TIME: Aviles named starter, may lead off

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Aviles named starter in Boston, may lead off

As expected, Mike Aviles (SS, BOS) was named the starting shortstop in Boston to begin the season. His main assets are his contact rate (86 percent career) and his speed. Aviles has stolen 14 bases each of the past two years, and did so in just 286 at-bats last year. A consistently low walk rate makes getting on base a struggle, though, which could eventually cut into his playing time.  At this point, though, that doesn't seem to be a major concern, as manager Bobby Valentine is thinking of using Aviles in the leadoff spot.  Should that happen, it would obviously mean good things for his counting stats, but his low on-base-percentage may mean it would be a short-term...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

Zach Eflin back in BAL; possible closers Fairbanks and Yates find new teams; Cincy adds outfielders and more.
Dec 31 2025 9:02am
Boston swings a deal for a right-handed lineup stalwart; McNeil, O'Hearn, Refsnyder on the move, and more.
Dec 24 2025 9:30am
Shane Baz slots into the Baltimore rotation; the Rays, Pirates and Astros swing a three-way deal, a couple big signings in San Diego, and more.
Dec 22 2025 9:06am
Ha-Seong Kim's bet on himself pays off and he takes over SS for the Braves. Plus new homes for Adolis García, Adrian Houser, Josh Bell and more.
Dec 17 2025 8:44am
Kenley Jansen signs with the Tigers, as more closer dominoes fall in the free agent market. Plus updates on Texas catchers, Polanco and May free agent deals, and more.
Dec 15 2025 8:25am

Tools