Boston’s favorite Kung Fu Panda is back.
Third baseman Pablo Sandoval is back in the Red Sox’s starting lineup for the first time since May 19 for Boston’s Memorial Day contest against the Twins in Minnesota.
Sandoval delivered a pinch-hit RBI single in Sunday’s 6-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels and also pinch hit on May 21 against the Texas Rangers, but he hadn’t played prior to that after taking a fastball off the knee last Tuesday. He’ll bat fifth.
Dustin Pedroia once again will bat leadoff for the Sox, with designated hitter David Ortiz moving back to the No. 3 spot after hitting cleanup Sunday. Daniel Nava will get the start in right field and bat eighth in place of Rusney Castillo, who started Sunday’s contest after Shane Victorino was sent to the disabled list.
Blake Swihart returns to the lineup batting ninth and catching for Red Sox starter Joe Kelly, who will hope to build on another quality outing last Wednesday.
Check out both full lineups below.
RED SOX (21-23)
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mookie Betts, CF
David Ortiz, DH
Hanley Ramirez, LF
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Daniel Nava, RF
Blake Swihart, C
Joe Kelly, RHP (1-3, 5.13 ERA)
TWINSÂ (25-18)
Brian Dozier, 2B
Torii Hunter, RF
Joe Mauer, 1B
Trevor Plouffe, 3B
Kurt Suzuki, C
Eduardo Escobar, SS
Eduardo Núñez, DH
Eddie Rosario, LF
Aaron Hicks, CF
Ricky Nolasco, RHP (4-1, 6.00 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports Images
