After getting the day off during Sunday’s 5-4 win over the Blue Jays, David Ortiz‘s big bat is back in the middle of the order as the Red Sox open a three-game interleague set with the Padres on Tuesday.
Ortiz, who leads all American League designated hitters in All-Star voting by a gigantic margin, has been arguably Boston’s most consistent plate performer this season, hitting safety in 50 of his 64 starts.
He’ll face an unknown opponent in San Diego’s Robbie Erlin, though. The 22-year-old rookie, who comes in with four major league appearances under his belt, has yet to face any batter on the Red Sox roster.
Unfamiliarity is common when National League teams come to town, but the Padres employ at least one recognizable face to Red Sox fans. That would be infielder Pedro Ciriaco, who was traded by Boston last month to allow the Sox to keep Jose Iglesias.
Since arriving on the West Coast, Ciriaco has gone 13-for-51 (.255) with a home run and four RBIs in 16 games. He’ll start at shortstop and bat ninth Tuesday night.
Check out the full starting lineups for both teams below.
Boston Red Sox (50-34)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jonny Gomes, LF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Brandon Snyder, 3B
Jose Iglesias, SS
John Lackey, RHP
San Diego Padres (40-43)
Logan Forsythe, 2B
Chris Denorfia, RF
Carlos Quentin, DH
Chase Headley, 3B
Kyle Blanks, LF
Jesus Guzman, 1B
Nick Hundley, C
Alexi Amarista, CF
Pedro Ciriaco, SS
Robbie Erlin, RHP
