Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell shook up his lineup on Friday night in an attempt to spark his team’s offense. That attempt failed, as the Sox managed just five hits in a 1-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, their eighth in a row.
Farrell is making even more drastic changes to the batting order on Saturday, as David Ortiz, Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino are all not in the lineup. Ortiz, who has played in all but two games this year, will be replaced in the designated hitter role by A.J. Pierzynski, who bats sixth.
The Red Sox also announced on Saturday that they placed Victorino on the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain, calling up outfielder Daniel Nava from Triple-A Pawtucket to replace him.
Mike Carp will get the start at first base and bat fourth, while David Ross will handle duties behind the plate and bat eighth. Third baseman Brock Holt will bat leadoff for the second consecutive game, as Dustin Pedroia remains in the three-hole.
Taking the mound for Boston is pitcher Jake Peavy, who took a loss in his last outing against the Detroit Tigers. The Rays will counter with ace David Price, who was tagged for five earned runs in his last appearance against the Los Angeles Angels.
Check out both full lineups below.
Boston Red Sox (20-27)
Brock Holt, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Carp, 1B
Jonny Gomes, RF
A.J. Pierzynski, DH
Grady Sizemore, LF
David Ross, C
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Jake Peavy, RHP (1-2, 4.33 ERA)
Tampa Bay Rays (21-28)
David DeJesus, DH
Evan Longoria, 3B
Matt Joyce, LF
James Loney, 1B
Brandon Guyer, LF
Desmond Jennings, CF
Logan Forsythe, 2B
Yunel Escobar, SS
Jose Molina, C
David Price, LHP (4-4.28)
