David Hamilton

The Red Sox called up Hamilton from Triple-A Worcester early in April when Trevor Story sustained a shoulder injury. The utility infielder wasn't expected to be a regular, but Story's injury lingered, and Vaughn Grissom's groin/hamstring left a hole at second base that was never adequately filled. Hamilton answered the call, playing 56 games at shortstop and 36 at second base. His walk rate wasn't as good as in the minors, but an elevated BABIP allowed Hamilton to take advantage of his base-stealing prowess - he finished second on the team with 33 steals in 98 games. His season ended in late August due to a fractured finger, but Hamilton made a greater impact than his .248/.303/.395 line might suggest. The club is expected to go with a Story/Grissom middle infield, so Hamilton will have to win a utility backup role. Red Sox manager Alex Cora is unlikely to waste a roster spot on a pinch-running specialist. Read Past Outlooks