Farrell: Moncada's base-running brain cramp 'elementary'

Yoan Moncada's major-league experience with the Boston Red Sox went from promising to questionable fairly quickly.

In the midst of an 0-8 slump with eight straight strikeouts, Moncada's base running has landed him in the dog house, as manager John Farrell voiced his displeasure on the rookie's in-game focus after Boston's 3-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.

In the top of the eighth inning with two out, Moncada pinch ran for David Ortiz and after Mookie Betts hit a pop up to right field, instead of running the ball out, Moncada retreated back to first not knowing how many outs there were.

Farrell was less than impressed after the game, and offered his thoughts on Moncada's mental miscue.

"That's an elementary play, to be honest with you, at this level," Farrell said. "Two outs, you're on the move no matter what direction the ball is going in. That's been addressed and will continue to be addressed."

Moncada defended the brain cramp, telling reporters through a translator that it was "just simple confusion on my part. That's basically it."

The 21-year-old also touched on his struggles since being recalled from Double-A, saying after Saturday's game that he's taking everything in stride, and trying to become better at the major-league level.

"What I've learned basically is that you have to have patience and learn from every situation. It's been a tough week, but it's all a part of the process and what I have to do to be in the big leagues."

This is the second time in less than a week that Moncada's base running has been questioned. After hitting a lead-off single against the Oakland Athletics on Sept. 4, the 21-year-old was immediately picked off at first base.

Since his struggles, third baseman Travis Shaw has received more playing time against right-handed pitchers, with Aaron Hill playing more against lefties.