Boston Red Sox utility man Pablo Reyes had a lot on his plate entering Monday's game. He was in the starting lineup responsible for turning the tide after getting swept by the Toronto Blue Jays at home and had to fight for his job with the impending return of Trevor Story.
Reyes aided both pursuits and made Major League Baseball history in the process, not a bad way to start the week.
"Tonight Pablo Reyes of the Red Sox: collected 3+ hits, scored 3+ runs, had multiple extra-base hits, stole a base - hit a walk-off grand slam," OptaSTATS tweeted Monday after the game. "No other player in MLB history has done all of that in the same game."
Reyes had the big blast to put the Kansas City Royals down in the first of a four-game series, placing Boston five games back of an American League Wild Card spot. He also made it quite difficult for the Red Sox's front office to designate him for assignment.
Boston has to make room for Story on the roster, and it's likely either Reyes or fellow middle infielder/utility man Yu Chang. The latter is on the roster mainly for his defensive capabilities at shortstop, which will not be as prominent of an advantage when Story returns.
It appeared as if Reyes had the upper hand entering Monday but might have just sealed the deal. Reyes has the better bat (107 OPS+ to Chang's 44) and the ability to play outfield. Chang is the better overall defender but Reyes can slot in at more positions and is having a much better season.
The decision will be made prior to Tuesday's game, we'll find out soon enough.
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