BOSTON — So much for David Ortiz playing first base Sunday.
While it was reasonable to think Ortiz might start at first base for the Red Sox’s first-half finale against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park, the 39-year-old will be unable to do so because he’s out of the lineup altogether with an upper respiratory issue.
Mike Napoli won’t start at first base, either. Instead, Red Sox manager John Farrell has opted to go with left-handed-hitting rookie Travis Shaw against hard-throwing right-hander Nathan Eovaldi.
Hanley Ramirez will slide into the designated hitter’s role in Ortiz’s absence. Boston’s outfield will consist of Alejandro De Aza (left field), Mookie Betts (center field) and Shane Victorino (right field).
Dustin Pedroia, who was eligible to be activated from the 15-day disabled list Friday, won’t return for the Red Sox’s final game before the Major League Baseball All-Star break. He’s expected to be activated when the Sox return to action Friday against the Los Angeles Angels, as Farrell said prior to Sunday’s game the second baseman won’t require a rehab assignment before rejoining the starting lineup.
The complete lineups for Sunday’s Red Sox-Yankees matchup are below.
RED SOX (42-46)
Mookie Betts, CF
Brock Holt, 2B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Hanley Ramirez, DH
Alejandro De Aza, LF
Shane Victorino, RF
Travis Shaw, 1B
Ryan Hanigan, C
Wade Miley, LHP (8-7, 4.53 ERA)
YANKEES (47-40)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Brett Gardner, LF
Alex Rodriguez, DH
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Chris Young, RF
Brian McCann, C
Chase Headley, 3B
Didi Gregorius, SS
Rob Refsnyder, 2B
Nathan Eovaldi, RHP (8-2, 4.45 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Gregory Fisher/USA TODAY Sports Images
