The Flyin’ Hawaiian is back.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino will make his 2014 debut Thursday night at Fenway Park, batting second and playing right field in the rubber match of a three-game series with the New York Yankees. Dustin Pedroia will bat ahead of Victorino, hitting in the leadoff spot for the fourth time this season.
Victorino was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Opening Day after straining his right hamstring in the team’s spring training finale against the Minnesota Twins.
Victorino will be joined by Jackie Bradley Jr. in center field and Jonny Gomes in left field, as Grady Sizemore will get the night off after striking out three times in Wednesday’s 5-1 victory.
David Ross replaces A.J. Pierzynski behind the plate and will catch starting pitcher Felix Doubront, who has started the season with a 1-2 record and 5.48 ERA in four starts.
Victorino and the Sox will face a Yankees pitcher who has had struggles of his own in C.C. Sabathia, who has given up four or more runs in three of his first four starts.
Boston Red Sox (10-12)
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Shane Victorino, RF
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jonny Gomes, LF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Brock Holt, 3B
David Ross, C
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Felix Doubront, LHP
New York Yankees (12-9)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Derek Jeter, SS
Carlos Beltran, RF
Alfonso Soriano, DH
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Brian McCann, C
Brett Gardner, LF
Brian Roberts, 2B
Yangervis Solarte, 3B
C.C. Sabathia, LHP (2-2, 5.19 ERA)
