WASHINGTON — Rob Refsnyder often gets billed as the Red Sox’ resident lefty-masher, having been successful against southpaws for years. But under his guidance, another right-handed hitter has exploded in a platoon role so far this season.

Romy Gonzalez, who went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs in Boston’s 10-3 win Saturday, has emerged as a lineup force against certain matchups so far this year. In 27 games against lefties, including Saturday’s win, he has hit .379 with three homers, seven doubles, triple, 14 RBIs and a 1.136 OPS. A player who has started sparingly against righties finds himself in the top of the order against southpaws and has constantly delivered.

“I feel really locked in,” Gonzalez said. “I’m constantly working, obviously, on my lefty approach. A lot of help from the hitting coaches and Rob keeping me locked in. It feels great.”

On a warm day at Nationals Park, Gonzalez — hitting second and playing second base — keyed another offensive outburst against lefty Mitchell Parker. After leadoff-man-for-the-day Nate Eaton reached on an error in the first, Gonzalez doubled him home for the game’s first run. Two innings later, he led off a seven-run third with another two-bagger.

The two balls left Gonzalez’s bat at 103.3 mph and 110.8 mph.

“Obviously, we make adjustments with the lefties,” said Cora, who dropped leadoff man Jarren Duran to the No. 7 spot in the lineup to put Eaton, Gonzalez and Refsnyder in the top half of the lineup. “You saw what happened with those two guys up there. What they do is amazing.”

Little was made about Gonzalez’s introduction to the Red Sox organization when he was quietly claimed off waivers in January 2024 after he spent parts of three years (126 games) with the White Sox from 2021-2023. But after not making the Opening Day roster last year, the 28-year-old emerged as a versatile option who helped the roster, especially against lefties. He hit .302 with an .879 OPS against them last year.

“Last year, he did a good job,” said Cora. “He came from a major surgery, similar to Masa. We needed to be patient last year… It’s a guy we can plug in against righties, too. We’ll find opportunities for that.

“Overall, a good athlete, a good player, a good kid. He’s worked so hard to get to this point. We’re very proud of him.”

Gonzalez has filled in admirably at first base since Triston Casas went down and has taken his opportunity in stride. Between him and Abraham Toro, the Red Sox have a pretty productive first baseman. Boston might look to upgrade the position ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, but for now, is reaping the benefits of a hot-hitting platoon. The switch-hitting Toro has hit .287 with a .779 OPS in 45 games. But Gonzalez, in his specific role, has been a major contributor, too, in part due to the mentorship of the veteran Refsnyder.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” said Gonzalez. “I think it’s just a testament to the work we put in with the hitting guys. Rob’s a great hitter. He has been doing this for a long time and he has passed down a lot of knowledge to me.”

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