Hanley Ramirex was out of the lineup Tuesday nursing a minor injury, which allowed the Red Sox to field an outfield of Jackie Bradley Jr. in left, Mookie Betts in center and Rusney Castillo in right.
That's a trio as good and athletic as any in the game, even if it would make more sense, long-term, to have Betts in left and Bradley in center. Having Bradley in left -- especially at Fenway -- is a waste of his ability to cover ground and his exceptional throwing arm.
Both Ben Cherington and John Farrell continue to say that upgrading defense in left field is a goal for 2016, and the solution, it would seem, is right in front of them. That is, assuming Bradley can contribute the way he he has at the plate in recent days.
Bradley would be a well-above average defender in left, and Castillo and Betts would each be above-average. Few balls would get past the trio.
Of course, that begs the question: what to do with Hanley Ramirez?
David Ortiz's vested option means he'll be back as the full-time DH. That's a good thing, given Ortiz's still elite production levels.
But it also closes a door for Ramirez, whom the Sox simply cannot have reutrn to left field. According to fangraphs.com, Ramirez has already cost the Red Sox 17 runs in left, or, an average of exactly one run every five games he's played at the position.
The sooner the Sox find out whether he can contribute at first base in 2016, the better.