Xander Bogaerts returns to the Boston Red Sox’s starting lineup Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
Bogaerts was struck in the head by a pitch from Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez on Aug. 22. The shortstop was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list, but he’ll return for the Red Sox’s second of four games against the Rays this Labor Day weekend in St. Petersburg.
Bogaerts will bat eighth in his return. He’ll be joined on the left side of the infield by Brock Holt, who had been Boston’s starting shortstop in Bogaerts’ absence. Third baseman Will Middlebrooks will sit.
Mike Napoli is out of the Red Sox’s lineup Saturday. Allen Craig will play first base and bat sixth.
David Ross will start behind the dish with Allen Webster toeing the rubber for Boston.
Anthony Ranaudo, who earned the win in his third major league start Friday, has been optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room for Bogaerts on Boston’s active roster.
Saturday’s complete lineups are below.
Boston Red Sox (59-75)
Brock Holt, 3B
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Yoenis Cespedes, LF
Daniel Nava, RF
Allen Craig, 1B
Mookie Betts, CF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
David Ross, C
Allen Webster, RHP (3-2, 5.81 ERA)
Tampa Bay Rays (65-70)
Ben Zobrist, SS
Wil Myers, RF
Matt Joyce, DH
Evan Longoria, 3B
James Loney, 1B
Brandon Guyer, LF
Logan Forsythe, 2B
Ryan Hanigan, C
Kevin Kiermaier, CF
Jake Odorizzi, RHP (9-11, 4.23 ERA)
