David Ortiz is back in the starting lineup for the Red Sox, but he won’t be playing his usual designated hitter role on Thursday night. Instead, Ortiz will be playing first base for the Red Sox at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, as the Sox wrap up their two-game series at the Phillies’ National League home.
Ortiz doesn’t often play first base, but when he does, he has shown a propensity for succeeding there. Since 2005, Ortiz has 19 home runs in 169 at-bats while playing first — a home run rate that is tops in the majors during that time frame. Obviously, Big Papi can hit no matter where he’s penciled in on the lineup card.
Looking to contain the Red Sox offense for Philly will be Jonathan Pettibone. The rookie right-hander will be the sixth rookie to face the Sox this season, and none of them has had much success. The five rookies have combined for a 11.65 ERA against the potent Boston lineup, and two have failed to pitch past the third inning.
Check out the lineups for Thursday’s series finale below.
Boston Red Sox (32-22)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Daniel Nava, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, 1B
Mike Carp, LF
Stephen Drew, SS
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Jose Iglesias, 3B
Franklin Morales, LHP
Philadelphia Phillies (26-27)
Ben Revere, CF
Cesar Hernandez, 2B
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Delmon Young, RF
Domonic Brown, LF
Kevin Frandsen, 1B
Erik Kratz, C
Freddy Galvis, 3B
Jonathan Pettibone, RHP
