Alex Cora says Red Sox will not demote Jackie Bradley Jr.

The Boston Red Sox do not intend to demote outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. despite his struggles, according to manager Alex Cora.

With second baseman Dustin Pedroia nearing a return from injury, speculation has grown that Bradley could be demoted to AAA to clear a roster spot. Cora said this isn’t in the plans despite Bradley’s major struggles at the plate.

On @DaleKeefeWEEI Cora rules out JBJ demotion or Nunez DL stint for impending Pedroia return

— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) May 23, 2018

There was some talk of Bradley being traded after the J.D. Martinez signing in the offseason, but that didn’t happen. Perhaps the Red Sox are regretting it now, as his value has tanked since then. He’s hitting a miserable .176, with just 23 hits and two home runs in 131 at-bats. Not even his steady defense can make up for those kind of numbers forever.