Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora is increasingly comfortable with Caleb Durbin at third base as spring training progresses. Cora told reporters in Fort Myers, Florida, that while a final decision isn't imminent, he's impressed with Durbin's performance during the team's offseason transition. The Red Sox acquired Durbin from the Milwaukee Brewers in a six-player trade just before spring training opened.

Durbin, 25, finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting last season after winning Milwaukee's third-base job following a trade from the Yankees. The Red Sox have a vacancy at third after Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs. Durbin has been splitting time with Marcelo Mayer at third and second base this spring, though he's gotten the majority of starts at third recently.

Cora emphasized wanting Durbin to settle into one position rather than bouncing between second and third during the season. The manager praised Durbin's defensive skills, particularly his arm strength and footwork, after watching him in a recent game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Durbin hit .256 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs last season.