With the Boston Red Sox desperately trying to pull out of their current tailspin, manager John Farrell is trying something new.
The Sox will trot out a highly unorthodox batting order Wednesday night for their game against the Toronto Blue Jays, starting at the top with Grady Sizemore. Sizemore has not hit out of the leadoff spot since April 23, and he’s seen his average slip to .226 after a rocket start to the season.
Dustin Pedroia drops down to the No. 2 spot after leading off each of his last 22 games. David Ortiz will bat third — not an unusual spot for him — but he will be followed in the order by Jonny Gomes, who will hit cleanup for just the second time this season.
Mike Napoli was experiencing flu-like symptoms and will sit out Wednesday night.
The other notable Red Sox player filling an unusual slot in the order will be Shane Victorino. The right fielder will bat sixth against the Blue Jays, marking the first time he’s started a game in a spot other than leadoff or No. 2 since April 5, 2013.
Check out the full lineups for both teams below.
Boston Red Sox (20-24)
Grady Sizemore, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Jonny Gomes, LF
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Shane Victorino, RF
Mike Carp, 1B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Brock Holt, 3B
Clay Buchholz, RHP (2-3, 6.17Â ERA)
Toronto Blue Jays (24-22)
Jose Reyes, SS
Melky Cabrera, LF
Jose Bautista, RF
Adam Lind, DH
Edwin Encarnacion, 1B
Juan Francisco, 2B
Brett Lawrie, 3B
Dioner Navarro, C
Anthony Gose, CF
Drew Hutchison, RHP (2-3, 3.64 ERA)
