Ryan Kalish will bat leadoff for the first time in his short career as the Red Sox flood their lineup again with a blend of minor leaguers and time-tested veterans in the opener of three games at Oakland on Friday.
With Marco Scutaro still fighting through shoulder pain, even after a 4-for-5, two-homer effort two days ago at Fenway Park, Kalish will take the top spot. He has never started a game batting higher than sixth in the lineup.
Scutaro's absence gives Jed Lowrie another start at shortstop and puts Bill Hall at second base. Lars Anderson, who had his first major league hit Wednesday night, is batting ninth and playing first base.
Mike Lowell, bothered by a non-displaced rib fracture, will be sitting for the third time in four games.
Although Oakland right-hander Trevor Cahill is 0-2 with an 8.71 ERA against Boston, the Red Sox starters on Friday are just 8-for-32 (.250) off him. Lefties David Ortiz and J.D. Drew both have one home run off Cahill.
Jeremy Hermida is batting sixth and playing right for the A's. He hit .203 with five homers and 27 RBIs in 52 games with Boston to start the season before being sent down and then ultimately released.
Here are the lineups for both teams:
Red Sox
1. Ryan Kalish, CF
2. J.D. Drew, RF
3. Victor Martinez, C
4. David Ortiz, DH
5. Adrian Beltre, 3B
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. Josh Reddick, LF
8. Bill Hall, 2B
9. Lars Anderson, 1B
Athletics
1. Coco Crisp, CF
2. Daric Barton, 1B
3. Kurt Suzuki, C
4. Jack Cust, DH
5. Mark Ellis, 2B
6. Jeremy Hermida, RF
7. Rajai Davis, LF
8. Jeff Larish, 3B
9. Cliff Pennington, SS
