FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Michael Chavis displayed why he is the Red Sox's No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline when he launched a three-run, opposite-field homer into the bullpen in right-center at JetBlue Park in Saturday’s 8-5 victory over the Yankees.

The right-handed-hitting masher ripped one high and deep a day after the organization’s other prominent slugging prospect Bobby Dalbec homered against Northeastern.

For Chavis, the home run was extra sweet, because an oblique injury robbed him of any game action in his first big league camp a year ago.

“Oh, without a doubt,” Chavis said. “I've said a couple times that one of my biggest focuses in Spring Training is being in the dugout, being on the field with these guys and getting to interact with them and become part of the clubhouse. I mean, you see how close these guys are every single day, and that's part of what brings them such success. I just want to be part of that and do everything I can to be part of that group."

The 23-year-old Chavis could get his first call-up to the Majors this season, but it’s unclear when it will happen.

A PED suspension last year cost him 75 games, though he did finish the season with eight games at Triple-A Pawtucket.

The Red Sox don’t have a regular playing spot open for him, but Chavis is playing first, second and third this spring so he can be as viable as possible.

“Definitely. Making myself available is the biggest thing, whether it’s first, second, third, outfield, wherever it is,” Chavis said. “If I can help the team, that’s what I’m here for.”

The biggest help Chavis will always be able to help provide is with his bat.

“Yeah, 3-2 fastball and he goes the other way,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “You can see he can swing the bat. This is the first time being able to see him. Last year, he was hurt the whole spring. Since Day 1, you can see the mechanics and he has a pretty good idea of what he wants to do at the plate. Very smart, too. Takes notes and all that stuff. Takes notes on what he wants to do. That’s a good sign right there.”

Cora comfortable with bullpen plan

With the Yankees in town for the first rivalry matchup of Spring Training, it was noted how different the teams approached bullpen building this offseason. The Yankees added Zack Britton and Adam Ottavino to an already stacked group. The Red Sox lost Joe Kelly to the Dodgers and Craig Kimbrel is a free agent who is unlikely to come back. Boston didn’t make any significant additions, which will leave some prognosticators thinking that relief pitching might allow the Yankees to snap the run of three straight division titles by Boston

"Yeah, that's the beauty of our game,” said Cora. “They do their things and they're successful and we do it our way and we're successful. As you guys know, our strength is those five guys [in the rotation]. They got six or seven they shore up the game with. I don't know how they're going manage the game with their starters, but their strength is their bullpen.”

Yankees manager Aaron Boone won’t go in with any pre-conceived notions about Boston’s ‘pen.

“I think bullpens can be one of those things that develops pretty fast organically. [You see] a lot of quality bullpens emerge if you have the right kind of arms,” said Boone. “Sometimes they are somewhat anonymous or burst on the scenes a little quicker at other positions. In our case, the core of guys we’ve built not only did we feel are great, but have the track record that follows.”

Up next

Shortstop Xander Bogaerts, left fielder Andrew Benintendi and center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. will all make their Grapefruit League debuts on Sunday against the Twins. Rafael Devers, who went 2-for-3 Saturday, will start at third. Christian Vázquez will be behind the plate, with Brock Holt at second base. Eduardo Núñez is expected to DH.

Non-roster invitee Ryan Weber, a righty, will make the start. Brandon Workman and Colten Brewer, who are both vying for spots in the bullpen, will see action in relief. No. 19 prospect Denyi Reyes is also on the list to pitch. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET, and the game will air live on MLB.TV.

Cora said that reigning American League MVP Award winner Mookie Betts will play his first game of the Grapefruit League season on Wednesday.