Franchy Cordero is a proud member of the Big Papi generation, who grew up in the Dominican Republic and saw Dominican stars like David Ortiz lead the Boston Red Sox for the 2004 World Series title.
“These are the games that have always been on the air: the Boston Red Sox games,” Cordero told reporters in a video call from spring training on Saturday. “I grew up as a huge fan of David Ortiz. Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez, even JD Drew – these are guys I really enjoyed watching when I was a kid. my youth. “
So when Cordero was traded to Boston this winter, any disappointment he might have about the move was erased by the excitement of joining his favorite team.
“I am very excited about the opportunity I have here,” said Cordero, who was in a deal that sent Andrew Benintendi to the Kansas City Royals. “In fact, being able to wear this uniform and play on that field is a dream come true.”
A 6-foot-3, 220-pound outfielder who says he modeled his game after Ortiz, Cordero spent three years with the San Diego Padres before being traded to the Royals before the delayed pandemic in the 2020 season. In all, he has a average of .236 with 12 homers and 36 RBIs in 95 games, spending more time on the list of injuries with problems in the right elbow, forearm, wrist and hand than on an active major league list.
“I haven’t been in the field long enough. I haven’t been able to do a full season,” said Cordero. “God willing, people will see the real Franchy Cordero this year.”
But that goal hit a setback when Cordero tested positive for COVID-19 before boarding a plane for spring training. Although he said he still hopes to be ready for Opening Day, coach Alex Cora seemed less optimistic.
“There’s always a chance,” said Cora. “But we have to be very careful about how we put pressure on him, because his health is more important than being part of the debut team.”
Cordero said he never had symptoms of COVID-19, but the isolation time delayed his preparations. After reporting to the team complex in Fort Myers, Florida this week, he has been working on his mobility and keeping his muscles relaxed.
“All the protocols we have in place when it comes to returns, it’s all about security,” said Cordero. “It’s frustrating, but I’m happy to be here now.”
Cora said that Cordero is late in his cardiovascular work, but other than that, he seems to be doing well.
“Honestly, on my side, I thought he was going to be further behind, but that was not the case,” said the coach. “It looks like he hasn’t lost much physically … He’s a good athlete. Wait until you see him: he’s impressive.”
Hunter Renfroe scored, and Martín Pérez eliminated five in four goalless entries for the Red Sox on Saturday when he defeated the Atlanta Braves 7-2. Michael Gettys did a grand slam and Xander Bogaerts had a double RBI on his first hit of the spring.
Bogaerts was in lineup as the designated hitter, as the team released him from a sore shoulder. To make room in the squad to recover players who are not ready to play on the pitch, regular DH JD Martinez will play on the pitch on Sunday.
Cordero, who hit a mock game on Saturday, could enter a regular spring training game like DH next week.
“We have to be sure, defensively, to take care of him,” said Cora. “Running the bases, in the same way.”