BOSTON — Eduardo Nunez had played in just 25 games for the Yankees this year before getting the start at shortstop Thursday night and had managed to make four errors.
Not exactly what a team is looking for as it tries to stay in first place.
But Nunez performed well when forced into action because of Derek Jeter’s injured left ankle, recording a pair of hits and playing solid defense in a 2-0 win over the Red Sox at Fenway Park that kept the Yankees tied with the Orioles atop the AL East.
It didn’t surprise first base coach Mick Kelleher, who also works with the infielders.
“Early in the season when he had a little problem at third base, that could happen to anybody,’’ Kelleher said before the game. “With him being a young player, it’s a lot about confidence. In retrospect, for a young player, we probably asked him to do too much. He’s playing second, short and third; he’s playing right and left. Maybe some kids can handle it, but that is a lot for anybody.That is a veteran’s position. To put that on him, it’s hard to do all that.”
Nunez couldn’t, which is why he was sent down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to focus entirely on being a shortstop.
“He’s a hard-working kid,’’ Kelleher said. “But keep in mind, he hasn’t played short since he got back up here.’’
Until last night.
Nunez hadn’t done much of anything since being recalled on Sept. 1, being overlooked for Jayson Nix when Jeter previously needed a rest.
The rust didn’t show Thursday night when he ripped a double down the left field line in the fifth inning, and in limited action, he is hitting .305 (18-for-59) on the season.
Despite the trials of the season, which included a two-month absence in the minors because of inflammation in his right thumb, Kelleher said he believes Nunez still can be productive.
“He’s at one position now, it’s his natural position,’’ Kelleher said. “It’s where he needs to be.’’
He also looked comfortable at the plate, where he had just four plate appearances this month.
Nunez had a double and a single off Boston lefty Felix Doubront after doing almost nothing but face Andy Pettitte in simulated games.
“He’s seen plenty of lefties lately, facing Andy every third or fourth day,’’ manager Joe Girardi said jokingly. “He went down and did the things he had to at Triple-A. We’ve always liked the excitement that he provided on offense for us but he went down and played a pretty good shortstop.He’s got an opportunity to do something.”