BOSTON — Shane Victorino will bat sixth in his return to the Red Sox’s starting lineup.
Victorino, who hasn’t played in a major league game since May 23, was activated from the disabled list before Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park. He’ll man his usual post in right field.
It’s been a frustrating season for Victorino, as the 33-year-old outfielder has had trouble staying on the field because of injuries. Victorino landed on the DL with a hamstring injury May 24 and later was shut down from baseball activities because of a back injury he suffered during a rehab game with Triple-A Pawtucket.
Victorino will be joined in Boston’s outfield Saturday by Jonny Gomes in left field and Jackie Bradley Jr. in center field. The Red Sox are going up against a left-hander in Danny Duffy.
Brock Holt will bounce around the diamond with Victorino back in the mix. He’ll play shortstop in Saturday’s middle game.
Christian Vazquez will be back behind the plate after David Ross caught Friday’s second-half opener.
Saturday’s complete lineups are below.
Boston Red Sox (44-52)
Brock Holt, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jonny Gomes, LF
Shane Victorino, RF
Xander Bogaerts, 3B
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Christian Vazquez, C
Rubby De La Rosa, RHP (2-2, 2.89 ERA)
Kansas City Royals (48-47)
Jarrod Dyson, CF
Omar Infante, 2B
Eric Hosmer, 1B
Salvador Perez, C
Alex Gordon, LF
Billy Butler, DH
Mike Moustakas, 3B
Nori Aoki, RF
Alcides Escobar, SS
Danny Duffy, LHP (5-9, 2.76 ERA)
