The Red Sox’ starting rotation and lineup became a little more clear on Friday as the team prepares for Game 3 of the World Series against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
After it was uncertain if Clay Buchholz would be able to pitch one of the next two games of this series, Red Sox manager John Farrell told reporters on Friday that “he’s starting Sunday,” which is Game 4.
Farrell also announced two lineup changes.
David Ortiz will replace Mike Napoli at first base in Game 3 because there is no designated hitter spot in games played at National League ballparks. Losing the clutch hitting of Napoli will hurt Boston’s offense, but it would be foolish to sit a player of Ortiz’s caliber in a pivotal World Series game, especially when he’s 4-for-6 from the plate with five RBIs and two home runs against the Cardinals.
Daniel Nava will also replace Jonny Gomes in left field. Gomes provides a lot of energy and strong defense in the outfield, but he’s hitless in seven at-bats in the World Series and the Sox need more production from the bottom half of the lineup.
The next three games of the World Series will be played in St. Louis on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
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