The next generation has invaded Fenway Park.
With the promotion of 23-year-old catcher Christian Vazquez, the Boston Red Sox will start five rookies in their game Wednesday night against the visiting Chicago White Sox.
Joining the young backstop, who was promoted from Triple-A Pawtucket after veteran A.J. Pierzynski was designated for assignment Wednesday afternoon, will be Brock Holt (batting leadoff), Xander Bogearts (sixth), Jackie Bradley Jr. (seventh), and Mookie Betts (eighth).
Vazquez will catch right-hander Rubby De La Rosa — who is making just his 16th career start — and bat out of the No. 9 slot.
It’s the first time the Red Sox will be starting five rookies in a game before the September roster expansion since Aug. 16, 1987, according to Red Sox public relations.
Holt’s spot in the batting order is not surprising, but his spot in the field is. The utility man will start at shortstop against the White Sox, making him just the second player in Red Sox history to start games at short, first base, third base and all three outfield positions in the same season. The only other to do so was Jack Rothrock way back in 1928, per Red Sox PR.
Boston will hope its youthful lineup can snap the team out of its current funk against Chicago ace Chris Sale, whom many believe should have been an American League All-Star this season. The Red Sox have lost each of their last four games and seven of eight on their current homestand.
Boston Red Sox (39-51)
Brock Holt, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jonny Gomes, LF
Xander Bogaerts, 3B
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Mookie Betts, RF
Christian Vazquez, C
Rubby De La Rosa, RHP (2-2, 2.51 ERA)
Chicago White Sox (44-47)
Adam Eaton, CF
Gordon Beckham, 2B
Jose Abreu, 1B
Adam Dunn, DH
Alexei Ramirez, SS
Conor Gillaspie, 3B
Dayan Viciedo, RF
Alejandro De Aza, LF
Tyler Flowers, C
Chris Sale, LHP (8-1, 2.16Â ERA)
Photo via Twitter/@MLBPuertoRico
