After getting back on the winning track Friday night against the Baltimore Orioles, the Boston Red Sox will keep their new Cuban star Rusney Castillo in the lineup for the second game of the series on Saturday night.
Castillo is 2-for-8 in his first two starts, but has shown strong potential defensively after gunning down Alejandro De Aza at home plate in the Red Sox’s 5-3 win. Castillo will bat sixth in the order and play center field.
The Red Sox’s other Cuban slugger, Yoenis Cespedes, will sit out Saturday’s game after hitting a home run Friday. Despite his long ball, Cespedes has struggled at the plate. His home run in the series opener was his first since Aug. 22, and he’s hitting .140 in his last 12 games.
Replacing Cespedes in the outfield will be Jackie Bradley Jr., who is desperately trying to stay above the Mendoza line. Bradley will hit seventh and play right field. He’s had success against Orioles starter Chris Tillman, getting three hits in eight at-bats off the righty.
David Ortiz, who hit two home runs Friday night to become Mr. 30-100, also returns to the the three-spot. Ortiz’s second home run helped decide the game in the 10th inning. Things won’t be easy for Big Papi on Saturday, though, because he only has two hits in 24 career at-bats against Tillman.
Also returning to the Red Sox lineup is Will Middlebrooks, who replaces Garin Cecchini at third base. Middlebrooks will hit eighth.
On the mound for the Red Sox is the struggling Rubby De La Rosa, who hasn’t won a game since Aug. 10. De La Rosa only has one win since July 19, and he’s seen his ERA rise by more than a run since his last win.
Boston Red Sox (67-87)
Mookie Betts, 2B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
David Ortiz, DH
Allen Craig, 1B
Daniel Nava, LF
Rusney Castillo, CF
Jackie Bradley Jr., RF
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Christian Vazquez, C
Rubby De La Rosa, RHP (4-7, 4.31 ERA)
Baltimore Orioles (92-61)
Alejandro De Aza, LF
Steve Pearce, 1B
Adam Jones, CF
Nelson Cruz, RF
Delmon Young, DH
J.J. Hardy, SS
Ryan Flahert, 3B
Jonathan Schoop, 2B
Chris Tillman, RHP (12-5, 3.29 ERA)
Photo via USA TODAY Sports Images/Joy. R. Absalon
