Xander Bogaerts is moving up in the world. Well, at least in the Boston Red Sox’s lineup.
The 21-year-old shortstop will bat second for the Sox on Thursday afternoon in their getaway game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, taking the lineup spot usually occupied by right fielder Shane Victorino.
Bogaerts had a performance worthy of the top of the lineup Wednesday night, going 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in Boston’s 9-4 win.
Victorino and left fielder Grady Sizemore will both enjoy off-days Thursday, as Johnny Gomes will get the start in right field in bat fifth and Mike Carp will bat sixth and play left field.
David Ross also will replace A.J. Pierzynski behind the plate and bat seventh. Ross will catch for starting pitcher Clay Buchholz, who hopes to bounce back from a rough outing against the Texas Rangers in his last start.
Getting the start on the mound for the Twins is former New York Yankee Phil Hughes, who has a 4-1 record and a 3.92 ERA in seven starts this season.
Boston Red Sox (20-19)
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jonny Gomes, RF
Mike Carp, LF
David Ross, C
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Clay Buchholz, RHP (2-3, 6.44Â ERA)
Minnesota Twins (18-20)
Brian Dozier, 2B
Joe Mauer, DH
Trevor Plouffe, 3B
Chris Colabello, 1B
Jason Kubel, LF
Kurt Suzuki, C
Chris Parmelee, RF
Aaron Hicks, CF
Eduardo Escobar, SS
Phil Hughes, RHP (4-1, 3.92 ERA)
