Red Sox prospect Jhostynxon Garcia will make his first base debut for Triple-A Worcester against the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines on Sunday.
Garcia, also known by his popular nickname “The Password,” began working out at first base and learning the position a few weeks ago.
The 22-year-old right-handed hitter has started 206 minor league games in center field, 82 games in right field, 20 games in left field and 38 games at DH in his pro career.
First base is an area of need for the Red Sox, which is one reason they began working him out there. Boston also has an abundance of outfielders and so first base could be Garcia’s best path to the majors.
Boston’s first basemen have struggled this season, collectively batting just .238 with a .296 on-base percentage, .392 slugging percentage, and .688 OPS. Garcia could potentially fill this position down the stretch.
The Red Sox also are expected to be in the mix for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, a left-handed hitter and 2023 Gold Glove winner with Texas who the Nationals recently designated for assignment and released.
Kristian Campbell also is an option at first base down the stretch. He has started 24 games at the position since the Red Sox optioned him to Worcester.
Garcia went 4-for-4 in Worcester’s 9-5 win over the Cubs on Saturday. He’s batting .309 with a .372 on-base percentage, .578 slugging percentage, .950 OPS, 17 home runs, 12 doubles, three triples and 55 RBIs in 64 games (286 plate appearances) for the WooSox.
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