After Mayer’s injury, the Red Sox recalled infielder David Hamilton, and though Hamilton will see some time at second, Rafaela’s offense has been too valuable to the lineup. Playing him at second and Duran in center makes the offense stronger. The moving parts have been a challenge for manager Alex Cora much of the season and even more so now.

It’s not surprising that Duran, a left-handed hitter, has been mentioned in trade rumors. Boston has a surplus of left-handed hitting outfielders. The Red Sox could look to trade one of their left-handed bats to shore up another area of need on the roster like starting pitching.