Yoan Moncada’s call-up apparently gave Travis Shaw some motivation.
The Boston Red Sox third baseman was back in the lineup Wednesday night against the San Diego Padres after Moncada, who seemingly stole Shaw’s job, started to struggle. And Shaw immediately showed his worth to the Red Sox by absolutely crushing a two-run homer off Padres starter Jarred Cosart in the second inning.
Shaw’s home run was his 16th of the season, and it came at a time when he was struggling, too. The 26-year-old batted .167 with a .542 OPS in August, but he has been heating up since having to compete with Moncada for playing time.
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