The Boston Red Sox have made a bold move in the dugout, but the results on the field remain a mixed bag. After parting ways with longtime manager Alex Cora, the team turned to Chad Tracy, a familiar face within the organization. While the change was dramatic, the Red Sox have managed only a .500 record since the switch—a sign that the road ahead is still uphill.

Craig Breslow, Boston's chief baseball officer, explained the decision to promote Tracy, citing his deep roots with the team. "Chad has been in the organization for a while," Breslow told MLB.com. "He's managed at the highest level of our Minor League system and he's familiar with and has meaningful relationships with a majority of our roster, given the younger players that we do have. He's demonstrated an ability to get the most out of that group."

Now, as Tracy looks to ignite a spark in the clubhouse, he's already making moves. On Monday, he announced a shift for struggling pitcher Brayan Bellow, moving him into a relief role. But the spotlight remains on the infield, where trade acquisition Caleb Durbin has been under fire from frustrated fans.

Durbin, who joined the Red Sox after a promising rookie season with the Milwaukee Brewers (.256/.334/.387), has stumbled badly in Boston. His current slash line of .165/.254/.248 has many calling for a change. Yet Tracy has decided to stick with Durbin at third base, alongside Marcelo Mayer at second.

"I like where they’re at," Tracy said, per The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey. "Especially right now, both of them are playing really well and Durbin has been exceptional at third base, his defense. So I like where it’s at and switching things like that in the middle of..."

For Red Sox fans, the message is clear: patience is key as the new skipper works to find his rhythm—and Durbin's bat follows suit.