CHICAGO — In a perfect world, Boston interim manager Torey Lovullo said, he would not have to choose between hot-hitting right fielders Rusney Castillo and Jackie Bradley Jr.
However, at least for now, Lovullo is faced with a daily decision.
Bradley was the odd man out Monday night against the Chicago White Sox. He watched from the bench despite going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles on Sunday against Kansas City. The outburst improved Bradley’s average to .442 (19 of 43) with seven doubles, three triples and four home runs since Aug. 9.
Then again, Castillo has done more than enough to earn playing time. He went 3-for-4 with a career-high five RBIs on Monday night in a 5-4 win against the Chicago White Sox. The performance extended Castillo’s hitting streak to nine games, during which he has hit .429 (15 of 35) with three home runs and 11 RBIs.
“I just believe enough in Castillo and Jackie — whether they’re facing a righty or a lefty — they’re going to go up there and give the team quality at-bats,” Lovullo said. “They’re both feeling good. They’re both comfortable with playing time. I wish I could get everybody on the field and nobody had to sit out, but that’s just not in the cards right now.”
A solution might be in the works. Castillo could earn playing time in left field before the end of the season, Lovullo said. The 28-year-old outfielder recently started catching fly balls in left field during pregame warmups.
Meanwhile, Bradley is determined to contribute in whichever role he is needed. He failed to hit better than .200 in each of the past two seasons before recently finding success.
“It’s just a matter of time,” Bradley said. “You put the work in, and you get rewarded for it.
“I have faith in myself. That’s all I’ve always had. I’ve never lost confidence. I’ve never doubted myself. As long as you stay right there, then things will work out.”