John Farrell is tinkering with his lineup yet again.
The Red Sox manager continues to look for the right mix against a loaded Detroit Tigers pitching staff, and the Sox will have their third different lineup in as many games against Detroit in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday.
While some might have thought Daniel Nava would be in the lineup against the right-handed pitching Justin Verlander, Farrell has instead decided to put Jonny Gomes into the lineup. Additionally, Mike Napoli will return to the Red Sox lineup for Game 3 after Mike Carp got the start against Max Scherzer in Game 2.
One of Boston’s Game 2 heroes, David Ortiz, is one of the few in baseball who can say they have had success against Verlander in the past. The Red Sox designated hitter has hit .370 (10-for-27) with two home runs and four RBIs against Verlander. Another member of the Red Sox with past success against Verlander is Napoli, who is hitting .304 (7-for-23) with a home run and three RBIs against the former Cy Young and MVP winner.
Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, however, is only hitting .056 (1-for-18) in his career against Verlander.
Veteran right-hander John Lackey will start for the Red Sox. He has a 6-3 career record against the Tigers with a 3.86 ERA, which includes a 4-1 mark and 3.83 ERA in six career starts at Comerica Park.
See both lineups below.
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Jonny Gomes, LF
Stephen Drew, SS
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
John Lackey, P
Tigers
Austin Jackson, CF
Torii Hunter, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 3B
Prince Fielder, 1B
Victor Martinez, DH
Jhonny Peralta, SS
Mike Avila, C
Omar Infante, 2B
Andy Dirks, LF
Justin Verlander, P
