John Lackey Gets Chance in Batter’s Box As Red Sox Travel to Philadelphia

Red Sox manager John Farrell said Tuesday that John Lackey is probably the team’s best-hitting pitcher. Lackey will get a chance to defend that title on Wednesday, when the Sox travel to Philadelphia for their first game under National League rules.

The right-hander hasn’t had a chance to swing the lumber since 2011, but his hitting resume since joining the Red Sox is impressive for a pitcher. Since 2010, Lackey has gone 3-for-8 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored. The most recent of those doubles came at Citizens Bank Park, the site of Wednesday night’s matchup against the Phillies.

With the lack of a designated hitter in NL parks, David Ortiz will take the night off while Mike Napoli gets the start at first base. The two sluggers will switch spots on Thursday, with Ortiz scheduled to start at first in the series finale.

Ortiz will be available to pinch-hit Wednesday night, though, as will Jackie Bradley Jr., who was activated from Pawtucket earlier in the day. Bradley has hit .354 with seven doubles, a triple and two home runs in 20 games at Triple-A this season.

See the full lineups for both teams below.