Get to know the 'Mr. Versatility' of the WooSox: Ryan Fitzgerald, one of the most valuable members of the roster

WORCESTER — Ryan Fitzgerald is officially Mr. Versatility.

With the exception of pitching and catching, Fitzgerald has now played every position for the Worcester Red Sox this season. He started at first base and nearly helped the WooSox to an impressive comeback, but they dropped a 7-6 decision to the Scranton-Wilkes/Barre RailRiders Saturday at Polar Park.

“I’m trying to play everywhere,” Fitzgerald said.

Since prospect Triston Casas has been out of the lineup due to an ankle injury, Roberto Ramos has been given an opportunity at first base, and he’s performed well on both sides of the ball. But Saturday was a perfect opportunity to slot Fitzgerald into the corner position.

Not surprisingly, he’s a natural at first base.

Case in point: With one out in the top of the fourth inning, the RailRiders’ Max McDowell lifted a high, infield fly. The WooSox’ infielders converged on the play until Fitzgerald called for it, made the catch to record the second out on a tough play at the mound. He also ended the inning, snagging a hard-hit line drive down the line.

He impressed again in the top of the fifth inning.

WooSox third baseman Yolmer Sanchez had to make a long, quick throw across the diamond, forcing Fitzgerald to leap, make the catch and land back on the bag to record the out.

“I’ve seen throws like that from the pitcher back to second on a comebacker, so there’s less reaction time there. There’s a little more time when you see it coming across the diamond,” he said. “I didn’t want the ball to get by me, and if I can get down on the bag in time to get the out, it’s a plus.”

Fitzgerald has started 11 games at third base, 11 in right field, 6 at second base, 5five in left field, 1 in center field, 2 at shortstop, 1 at DH, and completed the cycle with his start at first base Saturday.

“He did great,” WooSox manager Chad Tracy said. “If you don’t really notice him out there, then it’s probably good. He looked good receiving throws and looked comfortable.”

Offensively, he’s been the WooSox’ most consistent hitter this season. He entered Saturday’s action with a .303 average, 7 doubles, 4 triples, 9 home runs and 32 RBIs.

Due to his overall success and multiple tools, Fitzgerald is making a strong push for a call up to Boston if and when the Red Sox need it.

It’s also good timing for Fitzgerald to work at first with Red Sox infield coordinator Darren Fenster in town for a few days. The two worked on positioning and receiving for quite a while during batting practice Friday afternoon at Polar Park.

It’s a chance for Fitzgerald to pick Fenster’s brain a little bit.

“He related it to a lot of other positions I play, except I’m just standing in a different spot,” Fitzgerald said. “I still make the same movements that I make at other positions. It’s not a huge shift for me. I worked a lot on footwork around the bag.”

Most pro players have the ability to play multiple positions, but Fitzgerald is unique because he can perform well at any spot in the infield or outfield. His athleticism helps him make it look easy. In fact, Tracy and WooSox bench coach Jose Flores recently were discussing Fitzgerald’s rare versatility.

“I’ve seen plenty of guys that can (play multiple positions), I just don’t know that I’ve seen one that you can put at so many places and feel fairly comfortable about where he’s playing,” Tracy said. “Usually there are versatile guys, but there’s a spot, or two when you think, ‘He can play there, but maybe we’ll try to get him out in the seventh inning.’ I feel pretty good wherever I put him, because you know the plays will get made. He’s reliable at all of them.”

His versatility was on display Friday night. He started at third base, but after outfielder Rob Refsnyder exited the game late with hamstring tightness, Tracy was able to shift Fitzgerald to right field, insert Jonathan Arauz into the lineup at second, and move Yolmer Sanchez from second to third.

Basically, Fitzgerald gives the WooSox multiple lineup options.

“He’s so valuable, and that’s why he’ll never DH,” Tracy said with a laugh. “As long as he’s on the field, we have options. He’s extremely valuable.”

It was helpful again Saturday after Jeter Downs exited the game in the sixth inning due discomfort in his side. Roberto Ramos came in to play first base as Fitzgerald shifted to third base, Sanchez moved to second, and Arauz went to shortstop.

Fitzgerald, 27, isn’t considered your normal prospect. The undrafted free agent has developed into a homegrown talent since the Red Sox signed him in 2018. His ability and versatility could lead him to Boston sooner than later.

“They keep telling me it’s good, so I’m assuming it’s good,” he said of his versatility. “I just want to hit, so wherever I can get into the lineup to hit. I told them, ‘If you want me to catch, I’ll catch. If you want me to pitch, I’ll pitch.' Whatever they need, I just want to get in the lineup however I can.”

—Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey. 

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Get to know the 'Mr. Versatility' of the WooSox: Ryan Fitzgerald, one of the most valuable members of the roster