Red Sox catcher Vazquez jokes about 1st start at 2B: I'll block grounders

Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez started at second base for the first time in his career Monday against the Baltimore Orioles, and he feels as though his skills behind the plate might be transferable.

"Ground balls, I'm going to block it. I've got a cup," Vazquez said jokingly before the game, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. "Don't worry."

Vazquez looked sharp early in the game despite playing only four innings in the infield - at third base - during the previous two seasons.

The catcher started a double play to end the top of the first after not turning one even during batting practice, according to Smith.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora moved starting second baseman Dustin Pedroia to the designated hitter spot before the game, shifting Vazquez from his duties behind the plate to the keystone.

"Christian has been taking ground balls at second and short and at third," Cora said. "He's caught four in a row, three in a row. Whatever it is. We're comfortable with him as far as making the routine play. Turn the double play.

"He played first base in the World Series. That's the biggest stage in this sport. And the first play he made was a step back with the game on the line, a flip to first. He wants to do it. He likes to do it. We're going with him."