Mike Carp Returns to Lineup for Series Finale Against White Sox After Battling Shoulder Issue

Mike Carp has been dealing with some shoulder irritation, but he’s ready to go for Sunday’s series finale against the White Sox.

Carp will bat sixth and play first base as the Red Sox look to complete a three-game sweep. Carp delivered a big pinch-hit RBI single to send the Red Sox past the Orioles on Wednesday, and he was originally slated to start Thursday’s game before being scratched late because of the shoulder issue.

Mike Napoli, who has been showing improvement at the plate of late, will get the day off Sunday. John Farrell said after Saturday’s game that he thinks Napoli’s foot issue has subsided a bit, but it’s clear that the Red Sox want to keep the first baseman fresh for the stretch run.

Will Middlebrooks, who joined Dustin Pedroia as the only two hitters in Boston’s lineup without a hit Saturday, will also be out of Sunday’s lineup. Xander Bogaerts, who played short in Saturday’s win, will play third base and bat ninth.

Sunday’s complete lineups can be found below.

Red Sox (81-56)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Daniel Nava, LF
Mike Carp, 1B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Xander Bogaerts, 3B

Felix Doubront, LHP (10-6, 3.74 ERA)

White Sox (56-78)
Alejandro De Aza, CF
Leury Garcia, 2B
Alexei Ramirez, SS
Paul Konerko, DH
Avisail Garcia, RF
Jeff Keppinger, 1B
Dayan Viciedo, LF
Conor Gillaspie, 3B
Tyler Flowers, C

Andre Rienzo, RHP (1-0, 4.21 ERA)