Mike Napoli hasn’t played since the Red Sox clinched the American League East last Friday, but he’ll be back in the starting lineup when the club opens its final series of the regular season.
Napoli has been battling a sore foot lately, but he’s apparently good enough to give it a go Friday night when the Red Sox begin a three-game series against the Orioles in Baltimore. The Boston first baseman will be in the cleanup spot, which bumps David Ortiz up to the No. 3 hole. The designated hitter has had just 12 starts this season from that spot in the order. He’s hitting .250 with three home runs and eight RBIs in those games.
Scott Feldman will make the start for the Orioles. He’s faced the Red Sox once since being traded from the Cubs. Feldman went five innings and gave up two runs on two hits — while walking six — in what was an eventual 3-2 Baltimore win.
Clay Buchholz will start for the Red Sox.
See both lineups below.
Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, RF
Jonny Gomes, LF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Clay Buchholz, SP
Orioles
Brian Roberts, DH
Nick Markakis, RF
Adam Jones, CF
Chris Davis, 1B
Matt Wieters, C
J.J. Hardy, SS
Nate McLouth, LF
Jonathan Schoop, 2B
Ryan Flaherty, 3B
Scott Feldman, SP
