BOSTON — The Red Sox received some bad news Sunday morning, as Will Middlebrooks was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right calf strain he suffered while running pregame sprints Saturday.
Middlebrooks’ absence means utilityman Jonathan Herrera will get his second straight start at third base. Infielder Brock Holt has been recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket and also is expected to see time at the hot corner over the next couple of weeks.
Jackie Bradley Jr. will get the nod in center field for Sunday’s series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway Park. Red Sox manager John Farrell decided to give Grady Sizemore the day off because of Boston playing a day game Sunday after a very late night game Saturday.
David Ortiz was held out of Saturday’s starting lineup, but he will return to the lineup Sunday. Ortiz, who has been dealing with calf tightness, actually pinch hit for Bradley in the ninth inning of Saturday’s 7-6 loss.
Daniel Nava, who batted third in Ortiz’s absence Saturday, will slide back up into the leadoff spot Sunday as the Red Sox face against right-hander Yovani Gallardo.
Sunday’s complete lineups are below.
Boston Red Sox (2-3)
Daniel Nava, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Jonny Gomes, LF
Jonathan Herrera, 3B
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
David Ross, C
Jon Lester, LHP (0-1, 2.57 ERA)
Milwaukee Brewers (3-2)
Carlos Gomez, CF
Rickie Weeks, 2B
Ryan Braun, RF
Aramis Ramirez, 3B
Jonathan Lucroy, C
Khris Davis, LF
Mark Reynolds, 3B
Lyle Overbay, 1B
Jeff Bianchi, SS
Yovani Gallardo, RHP (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
