Alex Cora gave an atypical assignment to a specialist in a crucial spot, and it paid off for the Boston Red Sox.

Romy Gonzalez made an irregular start against a right-handed pitcher on “Sunday Night Baseball.” The infielder delivered without his preferred platoon advantage, going 2-for-4 with an RBI double in a much-needed 6-4 win over the New York Yankees.

Gonzalez has dominated left-handed pitchers all year long, batting a superb .347/.394/.629 in 137 plate appearances. Although far less prolific against righties, the 29-year-old is holding his own with a .284/.302/.406 slash line.

The current state of Boston’s lineup could lead to Gonzalez receiving more reps beyond his usual platoon.

A .709 OPS and 89 wRC+ hardly demand an everyday spot for Gonzalez, but consider Boston’s alter

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