David Ortiz returns to the Boston Red Sox lineup in their series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday night.
After starting at first base on Opening Day, Ortiz had the day off Wednesday night, giving way to Mike Napoli. But Big Papi once again will show off his defense before the Red Sox get the designated hitter back in their second series of the season, which opens Friday night against the New York Yankees in the Bronx.
With Ortiz batting third, the Red Sox’s lineup is the same from Game 1 — with the exception of Xander Bogaerts and Ryan Hanigan flip-flopping spots in the batting order — when Boston’s offense exploded for five home runs in an 8-0 win.
Justin Masterson hopes he’ll receive that type of run support in his return to the mound for Boston. The right-hander’s last appearance for the Red Sox came in 2009, his first full season in the majors. Masterson was traded that same summer to the Cleveland Indians before being dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals last season, but six years later, he’s back on the team that picked him in the second round of the 2006 draft.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, will hand the ball to David Buchanan. The right-hander went 6-8 with a 3.75 ERA in 20 starts for the Phillies in 2014.
RED SOX (1-1)
Mookie Betts, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, 1B
Hanley Ramirez, LF
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Shane Victorino, RF
Ryan Hanigan, C
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Justin Masterson, P
PHILLIES (1-1)
Ben Revere, CF
Carlos Ruiz, C
Chase Utley, 2B
Ryan Howard, 1B
Darin Ruf, LF
Cody Asche, 3B
Jeff Francoeur, RF
Freddy Galvis, SS
David Buchanan, P
Thumbnail photo via Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports Images
