BOSTON — Red Sox manager Alex Cora was hopeful starting catcher Carlos Narváez would be able to start Wednesday’s series finale after coming up lame while running down the line early in Tuesday’s win. What Cora thought was a cramp is actually a seemingly minor knee issue, however, meaning Connor Wong is catching Dustin May in May’s Red Sox debut.
Narváez, who was assessed by trainers and stayed in for Boston’s entire 6-2 win on Tuesday, woke up feeling more uncomfortable a day later. The Red Sox hope he can use Thursday’s off day to his advantage and be ready to play Friday in San Diego.
“Actually, it wasn’t a cramp,” Cora said. “It was his knee. He felt it a little bit. He’s going through testing and all that stuff. Hopefully, he’s available Friday. We’ll stay away from him today so we can maximize tomorrow. Today, he wasn’t moving great.”
The Red Sox remain hopeful Narváez won’t miss time but have not ruled out an injured list stint quite yet.
“We’re not there yet,” Cora said.
Wong will start for the third time in four days after playing back-to-back days Sunday and Monday. He’s hitting ninth against former Red Sox righty Michael Wacha on Wednesday.
Narváez, who has started 79 of Boston’s first 115 games behind the plate, has shown signs of tiring at the plate in the last few weeks. In 35 games since June 9, he’s hitting just .203 with three homers, nine doubles and a .606 OPS.
If Narváez has to miss time, the top depth options available at Triple-A Worcester are veterans Seby Zavala and Chadwick Tromp, who both have major league experience. Nathan Hickey is also on the WooSox roster.
Wong is hitting .155 with a .408 OPS in 40 games.
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