Red Sox's Josh Rutledge: Plays first base

Rutledge was used as a first baseman for the first time this spring over the weekend, Dan Shaughnessy of The Boston Globe reports.

Analysis:

There are two things to take away from Rutledge playing first base. First, it's a sign that Hanley Ramirez's shoulder woes continue to prevent him from playing the field, and it's grown increasingly unlikely that he'll play first base before the Grapefruit League ends Wednesday. Secondly, Rutledge is looking like he'll stick on the roster as Pablo Sandoval's backup at third base. He can serve as the right-handed complement to Sandoval while possibly playing the same role to Mitch Moreland at first base.