Xander Bogaerts is good to go.
Bogaerts exited Thursday’s 5-1 win in the fourth inning with a left arm contusion after being hit by a pitch from Texas Rangers starter Nick Martinez in the second inning. X-rays performed at Globe Life Park were negative and Bogaerts was considered day to day, but the shortstop is right back in the Boston Red Sox’s starting lineup for Friday’s showdown against Yovani Gallardo and Co.
David Ortiz, on the other hand, will sit for the second consecutive game. The nine-time All-Star is taking a couple of days to work on his swing and get a mental breather. Ortiz said after Thursday’s game he’s moving on to Plan B, which entails raking upon his return.
Hanley Ramirez, who snapped a lengthy homerless drought Thursday, again will serve as the designated hitter in Ortiz’s absence. Brock Holt, who shifted to shortstop Thursday after Bogaerts left with his injury, will start in left field and bat sixth.
Red Sox manager John Farrell again will deploy the tandem of Dustin Pedroia and Mookie Betts in the leadoff spot and No. 2 hole, respectively. The two have enjoyed success in the six games since Farrell flipped them atop Boston’s order.
The complete lineups for Friday’s Red Sox-Rangers matchup are below.
RED SOX (22-26)
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mookie Betts, CF
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Hanley Ramirez, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Brock Holt, LF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Blake Swihart, C
Rusney Castillo, RF
Steven Wright, RHP (2-1, 3.68 ERA)
RANGERS (23-25)
Leonys Martin, CF
Shin-Soo Choo, RF
Prince Fielder, DH
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Josh Hamilton, LF
Mitch Moreland, 1B
Robinson Chirinos, C
Adam Rosales, 2B
Hanser Alberto, SS
Yovani Gallardo, RHP (4-6, 4.13 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports Images
