Xander Bogaerts and Mike Napoli have played key roles in the Boston Red Sox’s last two wins over the Kansas City Royals, but they’ll get the day off in Sunday’s series finale.
Bogaerts drilled a two-run homer to help spark a 5-4 comeback win on Friday, while Napoli’s blast broke a 1-1 tie on Saturday en route to a 2-1 Sox win.
Taking over at third base for Bogaerts will be Brock Holt, who remains in the leadoff spot. Mike Carp will assume first base duties and bat fifth in the place of Napoli.
Daniel Nava will return to Boston’s lineup on Sunday in left field and bat second. Joining Nava in the outfield are Jackie Bradley Jr. in center and Shane Victorino in right, who will make his second straight start since returning to the club on Saturday and bat sixth.
Stephen Drew is back at shortstop batting seventh after getting Saturday off, while David Ross will bat eighth and start behind the plate for pitcher Jon Lester.
Check out both full lineups below.
Boston Red Sox (45-52)
Brock Holt, 3B
Daniel Nava, LF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Carp, 1B
Shane Victorino, RF
Stephen Drew, SS
David Ross, C
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Jon Lester, LHP (9-7, 2.65 ERA)
Kansas City Royals (48-48)
Lorenzo Cain, CF
Omar Infante, 2B
Eric Hosmer, 1B
Danny Valencia, 3B
Alex Gordon, LF
Billy Butler, DH
Alcides Escobar, SS
Brett Hayes, C
Nori Aoki, RF
Yordano Ventura, RHP (7-7, 3.22 ERA)
