ST. LOUIS -- Andrew Benintendi began his first full major-league season by batting second for the Boston Red Sox. Two weeks ago, with the offense straining to score runs, he was moved to the cleanup spot. He has started all but one of 39 games and played all but nine of 359 innings.
By now, it's clear that Red Sox manager John Farrell wouldn't trust Benintendi any more if he was his doctor.
So, it will take a lot more than an 0-for-26 skid for Farrell to consider dropping Benintendi down in the batting order or, heaven forbid, sit him down for a few games, a la center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr.