Brock Holt is back at leadoff, as the Boston Red Sox look to spark their offense.
Holt will get things started for a struggling Red Sox lineup that welcomes back slugger Mike Napoli, who missed the last two games with flu-like symptoms. Red Sox manager John Farrell is looking to try something new, as his lineup has mustered just 16 runs during their current seven-game losing streak. John Lackey will try to play the role of stopper for the reeling Red Sox.
Napoli will bat fifth, with A.J. Pierzynski hitting sixth. Pierzynski, who received a rare start with Jon Lester on the mound Thursday, is back behind the dish Friday.
Rays right-hander Chris Archer will try to keep the Red Sox slumping while helping his own struggling squad gain some positive momentum. Tampa Bay had lost four in a row before Thursday’s 5-2 win over the Oakland Athletics, otherwise known as the best team in baseball.
Check out the full lineups for both teams below.
Red Sox (20-26)
Brock Holt, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Shane Victorino, RF
Grady Sizemore, LF
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
John Lackey, RHP (5-3, 4.01)
Rays (20-28)
David DeJesus, DH
Evan Longoria, 3B
Matt Joyce, LF
Wil Myers, RF
James Loney, 1B
Desmond Jennings, CF
Sean Rodriguez, 2B
Yunel Escobar, SS
Ryan Hannigan, C
Chris Archer, RHP (3-2, 4.59)
