With Mookie Betts traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Team Italy’s John Andreoli is competing for an opening day roster spot on the Boston Red Sox as the backup for outfielders Andrew Benintendi, J.D. Martinez, and Jackie Bradley Jr. The speedy 29-year-old has played all three outfield positions and has also served as DH in four games so far during 2020 spring training.
John Andreoli started in left field and went 1-for-2 in an exhibition game against Northeastern University at JetBlue Park in Fort Meyers, Florida on February 21, 2020. He got another start two days later against the Baltimore Orioles as the Boston Red Sox designated hitter. In three plate appearances, John Andreoli grounded out, doubled, and walked. He returned on February 25 in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles as a replacement for center fielder Andrew Benintendi. He walked and scored in three at-bats. John Andreoli made a brief appearance in right field late in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on February 26. In his only plate appearance, he walked and later scored.
If he does not make the Boston Red Sox 26-man roster, John Andreoli will begin the 2020 season at Triple-A affiliate Pawtucket Red Sox in April. Last year in Triple-A ball, John Andreoli hit .255 with 16 home runs while splitting his time between the Rochester Red Wings (Minnesota Twins) and the Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners). He made his MLB debut for the Seattle Mariners on May 23, 2018. John Andreoli played for Team Italy in the 2019 European Baseball Championship and in the Europe-Africa Olympic Qualifier. He made his Azzurri debut in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
