New Boston Red Sox outfielder Adam Duvall doesn’t have much experience in the confines of Fenway Park.
Duvall played just four games at Boston Ballpark after spending all nine seasons of his career in the National League. Unfamiliarity will pose a challenge for Duvall when it comes to managing the outfield, as he is likely to become the center fielder for the Red Sox.
“The biggest challenge will be the dimensions”, Duvall told reporters Wednesday, by Chris Cotillo of MassLive. “I’ve even thought about watching some games and how I can learn to play the ball against the wall or the ball in space. … I’m thinking of ways to try to get familiar with the park.
In particular, Duvall plans to enlist the help of current Red Sox members, particularly Kiké Hernández, to get him up to speed on his new outfield home.
Hernández, who helped recruit Duvall to Boston, should be a reliable source as he played the past two seasons at center with the Red Sox and can offer Duvall advice to help him through his transition.
“Probably the first person I ask for advice…it’s a very particular stadium, it’s going to take some getting used to…” Duvall told reporters, according to Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. “I’m ready for the challenge, I can’t wait to be there. Honestly, I can’t wait to get started.
Duvall has the ability to play all three outfield positions, but saw the majority of his time in a 2022 campaign cut short by injury with the Atlanta Braves in center field.