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.

T he trade deadline is soon approaching, and the Royals could be taking a number of different approaches. Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic features the team prominently in his latest