Stephen Drew has struggled to get going in his first two starts since rejoining the Boston Red Sox, going hitless in eight plate appearances.
The Red Sox shortstop won’t get the chance to break that streak on Friday, as Jonathan Herrera gets the start at shortstop and bats eighth as Boston kicks off a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Herrera is in the lineup with lefthanded pitcher Drew Smyly on the mound for Detroit. Smyly is hoping to put the end to the Tigers’ five-game losing streak.
The Sox will be looking to break a mini losing streak of their own, as a 7-4 loss to the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday completed their three-game series sweep at the hands of the Tribe.
Looking to get Boston back in the win column is right-handed pitcher Rubby De La Rosa, who will make his second start in a Red Sox uniform. He pitched seven scoreless inning and picked up the win against the Tampa Bay Rays last Saturday.
Jonny Gomes will return to the lineup batting fifth and playing left field, while Grady Sizemore gets the call in right field batting seventh.
Check out both full lineups below.
Boston Red Sox (27-32)
Brock Holt, 1B
Xander Bogaerts, 3B
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Jonny Gomes, LF
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Grady Sizemore, RF
Jonathan Herrera, SS
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Rubby De La Rosa, RHP (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
Detroit Tigers (31-25)
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Torii Hunter, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Victor Martinez, DH
Alex Avila, C
Austin Jackson, CF
Nick Castellanos, 3B
Andrew Romine, SS
Rajai Davis, LF
Drew Smyly, LHP (2-4, 4.10 ERA)
