FORT MYERS, Fla. -- It's unofficially the Spring of Michael Chavis.
The Red Sox' former first-round pick cranked his fourth homer in eight games Sunday with a solo shot to straightaway center field, part of Boston's 9-5 win over the Minnesota Twins.
"I wouldn't say (the power outburst) is unexpected,'' he said. "Whenever I'm up there, I'm trying to do damage, and power is part of my game. It plays a big role. So I wouldn't say I'm surprised or anything like that. But it's nice to see the results coming, for sure.''
Given the presence of Brock Holt and Eduardo Nunez, it's hard to imagine Chavis being able to crack the Opening Day roster. But at the very least, he's serving notice to the organization he could be ready to contribute at some point during the season if called upon.
"It's hard to say what they think,'' said Chavis. "I haven't had too many conversations with them besides 'Keep doing what (you're) doing.' So I'm not sure what they're thinking.
"But I'm going out there with the mindset that I'm trying to earn a spot, whether it's at a position or as a sub late in the game. Whatever it is, if I can fill a spot and help the team, that's what I'm trying to do.''
Included in Chavis's quartet of homers: long balls to left, right, and, on Sunday, dead center field.
Less successful, at least to date, has been his play at first. He was charged with an error last week. And on Sunday, he bobbled a rather routine grounder before recovering in time to record the out.
"That's his second one,'' said Alex Cora. "At this level, when it's a double play, we've got turn the double day; when it's a routine play, we've got to make the routine play. We'll work with him. Carlos (Febles, infield instructor) feels he has good footwork. He doesn't make excuses. We got the out, but we wanted to make it clean.''
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