With the American League’s No. 1 spot all locked up, the Red Sox are giving some of their regulars extra rest ahead of the postseason.
Dustin Pedroia, Stephen Drew and Daniel Nava are among the players getting the day off on the final day of the regular season. John McDonald will get the start at second base for Pedey, Xander Bogaerts at shortstop in place of Drew and Mike Carp gets the nod in left field for Nava. Shane Victorino is also getting a rare day off. Quintin Berry will get the start in his place in right field.
This will be just the second game Pedroia’s missed this season. He’ll finish the year with a 301 batting average, eight home runs, 84 RBIs and a team-leading 91 runs scored. Nava also finishes the year above the .300 mark, going 4-for-4 on Saturday to get back above the line and close out at an impressive .303.
Some regulars will make their starts as usual on Sunday, though. David Ortiz is back in his DH spot after a night off on Saturday. Mike Napoli, Jacoby Ellsbury and Jarrod Saltalamacchia are also slated to play on Sunday. Although, John Lackey was given a reprieve on Sunday and rookie Allen Webster will start in his place.
Check out the complete lineups below.
Red Sox (97-64):
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Mike Carp, LF
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
John McDonald, 2B
Quentin Berry, RF
Allen Webster, RHP
Orioles (84-77):
Brian Roberts, DH
Nick Markakis, RF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Chris Davis, 1B
Steve Pearce, LF
Nate Mclouth, CF
Danny Valencia, 3B
Steve Clevenger, C
Jonathan Schoop, 2B
Charles Tillman, RHP
