In terms of the big picture, aka the Boston Red Sox, the big news Friday at Hadlock Field concerned Andrew Benintendi’s move from center field to left.

Benintendi’s position switch corresponds with the speculation that he could be Boston-bound before the end of the season.

But before detailing every fly ball that wound up in Benintendi’s glove, it should be noted that Benintendi also went 2 for 5 with two RBI as the Portland Sea Dogs beat the Binghamton Mets 9-3 before a crowd of 4,553.

Cole Sturgeon (2 for 4) doubled in two runs. Mauricio Dubon (2 for 5) doubled home a run, and Nate Freiman (1 for 3) had two RBI.

The offense backed starter Teddy Stankiewicz (3-7), who recorded his first win in a month, allowing three runs on five hits over six innings as he duplicated his last start.

“During the season, you’re going to have some bumps in the road,” Portland Manager Carlos Febles said. “His last couple outings have been pretty good.”

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Portland helped Stankiewicz with two four-run innings, the third and seventh. The third inning featured five straight hits off knuckleball pitcher Mickey Jannis (3-9). Benintendi’s two-run single to center highlighted the rally.

Benintendi’s fielding drew attention, not only in Portland but in Boston, where Red Sox Manager John Farrell discussed the move to left field in his pregame press conference.

“With Andrew going to left, we are looking down the road a little ways,” Farrell told the Boston media, as reported by Scott Lauber of ESPN.com.

“When that day comes and he’s a left fielder here in Boston remains to be seen. The way he’s swung the bat, the way he’s advanced this year, you start to prepare for it, for that eventual day.”

The reasoning for the move is obvious, with All-Star Jackie Bradley Jr. occupying center field in Fenway.

“It was this or catcher,” Benintendi quipped after the game. “It’s just a matter of getting used to other positions.”

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Binghamton tested Benintendi right away, with three of its first four batters flying out to left field. For the third catch, Benintendi had to leap at the warning track, catching the ball against the left-field wall.

“He just needs to get used to the wall,” Febles said. “He went back against it couple of times like it was nothing. He didn’t get intimidated or hesitate. He looked very comfortable.”

The other speculated position switch is Yoan Moncada moving away from second base. Red Sox President Dave Dombrowski said last week that Moncada won’t switch this year. But before Friday’s game, Moncada was taking grounders at third. Febles said it was nothing out of the routine for a minor league infielder.

“Just getting him some work at third base, just like you normally see Dubon (a shortstop) take ground balls at second base – in case he has to go there,” Febles said. “So in case (Moncada had to play third), he has some work there. … But as of now he’s playing second base.”


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