Jarrod Saltalamacchia will get a much-deserved night off on Wednesday in Detroit, as newly promoted Ryan Lavarnway gets the start at catcher when the Red Sox open their first series against the American League Central-leading Tigers.
With David Ross on the seven-day concussion disabled list, Salty started both ends of Monday’s doubleheader — which was delayed nearly three hours by rain — and was behind the plate again for Tuesday’s 6-2 loss to the Rays.
The series opener in Detroit will mark the third start of the season for Lavarnway, who was activated from Pawtucket this week in place of injured right-hander Clay Buchholz. In 38 games with the PawSox, the 25-year-old is hitting .261 with three home runs and 21 RBIs.
The Red Sox and Tigers boast two of the American League’s top offenses, as Detroit’s 3-4 punch of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder is unrivaled in baseball. Boston leads the majors in runs scored (373) this season, while Cabrera & Co. rank first in team batting average (.281) and on-base percentage (.348).
Check out the starting lineups for both teams below.
Boston Red Sox (44-30)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Daniel Nava, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jonny Gomes, LF
Ryan Lavarnway, C
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jose Iglesias, SS
John Lackey, RHP
Detroit Tigers (39-31)
Austin Jackson, CF
Torii Hunter, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 3B
Prince Fielder, 1B
Victor Martinez, DH
Jhonny Peralta, SS
Matt Tuiasosopo, LF
Omar Infante, 2B
Brayan Pena, C
Jose Alvarez, LHP
