Where Nunez might be used; why Pedroia is so important; Fenway, Minute Maid similar

It now seems virtually certain that Eduardo Nunez will be part of the Red Sox 25-man roster for their American League Division Series with the Houston Astros, which gets underway Thursday afternoon.

What’s still to be determined is his role.

“We’ll get a better read here today and (Wednesday) as to what his capacity will be,’’ said John Farrell. “The fact that he’s getting closer to game ready is all the better for us and positive.’’

Less clear is how he will be utilized. Farrell said one likely scenario would have Nunez starting at third base over Rafael Devers against Houston lefty Dallas Keuchel in Game 2. Keuchel is a softer-tossing lefty and Devers has struggled some against similar pitchers.

Another option would be some time at second base if needed, but the Sox continue to hope that Dustin Pedroia, who’s been slowed with his own knee issues, can start and play every game. Pedroia is clearly the superior defender, but if the Sox are up comfortably ahead in Game 1, they may go with Nunez for the last few innings to save some wear-and-tear on Pedroia.

“Getting his bat back in the lineup will be a plus,’’ said Farrell of Nunez. “But initially, it would be at those two positions. At this juncture, we kind of feel like that’s where the best defensive capability and range is.’’

Farrell also seemed to suggest DH isn’t much of an option for Nunez.

“I wouldn’t rule it out completely,’’ he said, “but I like the way Hanley (Ramirez) has swung the bat for the past five, seven eight games. That’s been a very good development.

Nunez has added a somewhat bigger brace to provide more stability for the right knee in recent days.

“It’s a more substantial brace,’’ Farrell said. “He feels more stable in it and that translated to some confidence. He feels like he’s in a better place to transfer that energy from his feet on the ground through the rotation of the swing and then begin to bring it toward first  (base). He’s come out of it not only feeling better physically, but I think with increased confidence.’’

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Pedroia has responded well to some rest and treatment over the last week and seems to have little in the way of restriction. That’s a huge benefit to the Sox as they get ready to play the most important games of the year.

“I think the strength of a team up the middle is where you begin to build your backbone,’’ said Farrell. “We’re talking about a longtime veteran, a Gold Glove winner. We’ve got (pitchers) who can put the ball on the ground. (He has a great) ability to complete the double play. He hangs in (there) to complete the double play as good as anyone who plays the position. That type of defense is (invaluable).

"And he puts up some of the most consistent at-bats in our lineup, top to bottom. It’s not a big swing and drive the ball out of the ballpark. But it’s a grinding at-bat. I think guys who follow him in the lineup pay attention to that and how certain pitchers attack him. I continue to say we’re best when we use the whole field and Pedey is a visual example to our guys with an all-fields approach.’’

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Farrell doesn’t expect there to be much difference between games played in Houston and those in Boston.

“The parks are somewhat similar,’’ he said comparing Fenway to Minute Maid Park.  “Both have a short left-field porch. I don’t think the ballpark dimensions will be a (big part of the) matchup as far as we’re concerned. We’re playing in two very similar ballparks.’’