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Franchy Cordero is proud to be a member of the Big Papi Generation, growing up in the Dominican Republic and watching Dominican stars like David Ortiz lead the Boston Red Sox to the 2004 World Series title.
“These are the games that were always relevant: the Boston Red Sox games,” Cordero told reporters during a spring practice video call on Saturday. “I grew up as a huge fan of David Ortiz. Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez, even JD Drew – these are guys I really loved watching as a kid. It was always fun to be able to see all the championships won in my youth. “
So when Cordero was traded to Boston this winter, any disappointment he might have had about the move was washed away by the thrill of joining his favorite team.
“I’m really thrilled with 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 put on this uniform and be able to play on this field is a dream come true.”
A 6-foot-3, 220-pound outfielder who says he shaped his game after Ortiz, Cordero spent three years with the San Diego Padres before being traded to the Royals ahead of the pandemic-delayed 2020 season. In all, he’s averaging .236 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 95 games, spending more time on the injury list with issues in his right elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. than on an active major league roster.
“I haven’t been on the pitch for long enough. I haven’t been able to put together a full season,” Cordero said. “God willing, people will see the real Franchy Cordero this year.”
But that goal suffered a setback when Cordero tested positive for COVID-19 before boarding a plane to train in the spring. Although he said he still hopes to be ready for opening day, manager Alex Cora seemed less optimistic.
“There is always a chance,” Cora said. “But we have to be very careful with how we push him because his health is more important than being on the opening list.”
Cordero said he had never had symptoms of COVID-19, but time spent in isolation had delayed his preparations. After reporting to the team complex in Fort Myers, Fla. This week, he worked on his mobility and keeping his muscles loose.
“All the return protocols that we have in place are all about safety,” Cordero said. “It’s frustrating, but I’m happy to be here now.”
Cora said Cordero is behind on his cardio work, but otherwise he looks fine.
“Honestly, on my side, I thought he was going to be more late, but he wasn’t,” said the manager. “Looks like he hasn’t lost too much physically. … He’s such a good athlete. Wait until you see him: it’s impressive.”
Hunter Renfroe had a homerun and Martín Pérez struck out five scoreless innings in four for the Red Sox on Saturday, beating the Atlanta Braves 7-2. Michael Gettys hit a grand slam, and Xander Bogaerts had an RBI brace for his first hit of the spring.
Bogaerts was in the lineup as the designated hitter as the team relieved him of a sore shoulder. To make room in the roster for recovering players who aren’t ready to play on the pitch, DH JD Martinez will play the outfield on Sunday.
Cordero, who hit in a mock game on Saturday, could take part in a regular spring training game as a DH next week.
“We have to make sure that defensively we take care of him,” Cora said. “Run the basics, the same way.”
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