Xander Bogaerts had a nice game Thursday night, as the Boston Red Sox shortstop collected a hit and a walk in a 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Despite that, Bogaerts will sit Friday night when Boston opens a three-game series with Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards.
The reason for Bogaerts’ night off might have something to do with the man on the mound for the O’s. Miguel Gonzalez will start for Baltimore, and Bogaerts is just 1-for-10 in his career versus the right-hander.
Bogaerts will be replaced in the lineup by utility man Brock Holt. Despite owning a .414 batting average to start the season, Holt is 0 for his last 9, but he does have two career hits off Gonzalez.
Rick Porcello will make the start for the Red Sox. He’s looking for a bounce-back performance after allowing a career-high 12 hits his last time out, an 8-3 loss to the Orioles at April 19 at Fenway Park.
Here are the lineups for both clubs.
RED SOX (9-7)
Mookie Betts, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Manny Ramirez, LF
Mike Napoli, 1B
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Daniel Nava, RF
Brock Holt, SS
Ryan Hanigan, C
Rick Porcello, P
ORIOLES (7-9)
Alejandro De Aza, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Jimmy Paredes, DH
Adam Jones, CF
Chris Davis, 1B
Delmon Young, RF
Rey Narvarro, 2B
Caleb Joseph, C
Everth Cabrera, SS
Miguel Gonzalez, P
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
