Red Sox hitter in season-long slump has faced ‘challenges’ beyond adjusting to new role

 Red Sox backup catcher Connor Wong‘s double to lead off the third inning Friday was his first extra-base hit this season.

He went 1-for-3 with a run in Boston’s 5-2 loss to the Dodgers at Fenway Park on Friday.

The 29-year-old led the Red Sox in starts behind the plate both in 2023 and ‘24. But he lost his starting job early this season while on the IL.

After starting seven of Boston’s first 11 games, Wong fractured his left pinky finger and missed from April 8-May 2.

But he admitted his struggles offensively aren’t solely because he’s had to adjust to a new role that no longer allows him to receive regular at-bats.

“Sure, I think that (a new role) can play into it. I think there’s some other challenges that I’ve had,” Wong said. “Just trying to grind through those and staying positive.”

He’s 14-for-93 (.151 batting average) with a .231 on-base percentage, .161 slugging percentage, .392 OPS, one RBI, nine walks and 24 strikeouts in 37 games.

Rookie Carlos Narváez has become one of the top defensive catchers in the league while also posting a .778 OPS. He has started 72 games behind the plate and caught 650 ⅔ innings, while Wong has made just 29 starts and caught 251 innings.

Asked if the challenges are physical, Wong replied, “They have been and some other challenges. Just gotta keep going and try and perform.”

His double went 100.4 mph off the bat and traveled an estimated 352 feet. He also made good contact again in the fifth inning with a 361-foot, 95.6 mph flyout to center. He hit a 316-foot fly out to left field in his other at-bat.

“Obviously it’s better than it’s been,” Wong said. “And just build off that and keep going.”

As Wong continues to work through his struggles at the plate, the Red Sox have some interest in adding a catcher at the trade deadline. MassLive’s Sean McAdam reported Friday that the Dodgers have had scouts doing extensive work on Boston’s High-A affiliate, Greenville, and the Red Sox’ interest is centered around L.A. catcher Dalton Rushing.

Former Red Sox catcher Christian Vázquez, who has started 49 games behind the plate for the Twins this season, also is another name to watch as someone who could replace Wong as the backup.

Wong has a minor league option remaining and so the Red Sox would be able to option him to Triple-A Worcester if they add a catcher at the deadline.