The Flyin’ Hawaiian is on standby.
Shane Victorino, who is dealing with lower back tightness, will not start Game 5 of the World Series on Monday. But according to John Farrell, Victorino is available off the bench in Game 5.
“Pressed into it, we could probably start him, but with some uncertainty there on the duration, I don’t want to end up losing out on him and then using somebody else, have to pick him up,” Farrell said. “He’s available off the bench, but didn’t want to get into a situation, not knowing how long he could go, that we’d end up losing a player. We can use him a little more at our discretion that way.”
Victorino is available to enter Game 5 either as a defensive replacement or as a pinch hitter, according to Farrell. The Red Sox skipper also anticipates that Victorino will return to the starting lineup in Game 6 in Boston on Wednesday.
Jonny Gomes will once again be in the Red Sox’ lineup in Victorino’s absence. He’ll play left field and bat cleanup, while Daniel Nava will play right field and hit fifth.
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