“[Expletive] that,” Duran said.
Cora loved it.
“He works so hard,” the manager said before a 4-3 victory against the Reds on Saturday. “He understands what he needs to do to play every day, to keep his energy the way he should. He and [outfield coach Kyle Hudson] have great communication as far as the defensive work that he needs to put to be ready on a daily basis.
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“The hitting group with him has been great. There’s a lot of good stuff going on with him. The preparation is second to none, pregame and postgame.”
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Good thing Cora was just joking about that day off. Duran was 2 for 4, scored the go-ahead run in the eighth, and made a game-saving catch in the ninth Saturday.
Cora feels Duran should be selected to the All-Star team. His statistics merit a spot given that Duran is among the league leaders in several offensive categories.
“That’s going to be fun,” Cora said. “That Sunday when they announce the All-Stars is a special one. And if this happens, it’s going to be great.”
Cora said the medical staff has not pushed back on his decision to play Duran every day.
“He’s such a strong kid. He takes care of his body,” Cora said. “So far so good.”
The last Red Sox player to play all 162 games was Bill Buckner in 1985. In prodding Duran to be the next, Cora has motives beyond this season. He believes it would help establish the talented fourth-year player as a team leader.
“This is going to set up the organization for the future,” Cora said. “Having a guy, that when those [prospects] make it here, they look up [to].”
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Rafael Devers doesn’t have the personality that lends itself to that role.
“We love Raffy the way he is. Just play and lead and lead by example,” Cora said. “But, as a group, we need somebody that people look up to, right? Who better than your leadoff guy that plays every day, and he’s been great in the clubhouse?”
Duran said he would welcome the responsibility.
“I can kind of feel that role coming towards me and just trying to learn from guys like Chris Martin and Raffy and Rob [Refsnyder]. I’ve got a lot of older guys that are giving me bits and pieces here of how to be like a leader when it comes.”
Cora will be a free agent after the season if the Red Sox don’t sign him to an extension. He could well be managing elsewhere in 2025.
Either way, he wants Duran to have a prominent role with the Sox.
“I’m trying to find the leader for this organization,” Cora said. “He’s going to help us not only this year, but he’s going to help everybody in the future. He loves it and he understands it … he’s becoming a guy.”
Second options at first
As expected, Bobby Dalbec was optioned to Triple A Worcester when Wilyer Abreu was activated off the injured list. Abreu started in right field and was 1 for 3 with a double and a run scored.
That left Dominic Smith as the only first baseman on the active roster.
Cora said Refsnyder, Romy Gonzalez, and Connor Wong are options to play the position, particularly against lefthanders.
Gonzalez played three innings at first base Saturday and has 15 this season. Refsnyder has 227 innings but none since 2020. He’s more likely to remain in the outfield.
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Wong’s major league experience consists of three innings back on April 25, and three games for Yarmouth-Dennis in 2015 while playing in the Cape Cod League.
With lefthander Nick Lodolo scheduled to start Sunday for the Reds, one of that trio will likely be out there.
“We’ll pick and choose the at-bat we like against a certain lefty,” Cora said. “We feel comfortable where we’re at.”
Dalbec was 4 of 30 (.133) with a home run, four RBIs, and 15 strikeouts over 15 games after being recalled June 2.
Sunday plans
Zack Kelly will start Sunday followed by a bulk pitcher. Chase Anderson or Brad Keller could be the choice there … Nick Pivetta had another rough start, allowing three runs on six hits over 4⅓ innings. The righthander had a 3.04 earned run average and 0.82 WHIP in his first five starts. He has a 4.94 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in six starts since … Cincinnati native and former Cincinnati Bearcats star Kevin Youkilis is working the series for NESN and spending time with friends and family … Spotted on the streets of the Queen City: Sox reliever Brennan Bernardino headed to the park on a scooter.
Peter Abraham can be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him @PeteAbe.
