BOSTON — The Red Sox will try to close out what has been a brutal homestand on a high note Thursday afternoon against the Toronto Blue Jays — if Mother Nature cooperates, that is.
Rainy conditions are expected in Boston as the Red Sox look to snap a six-game losing streak and avoid a second straight home sweep.
Mike Carp again will get the start at first base while Mike Napoli continues to battle flu-like symptoms. Napoli did not play Wednesday and is not in the starting lineup for Thursday’s series finale, but Red Sox manager John Farrell said there is a chance Napoli could be available off the bench.
Carp had a nice night at the plate in Wednesday’s 6-4 loss, going 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored.
Another notable addition to the lineup is catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who normally sits in lieu of David Ross when Jon Lester starts for the Red Sox. Pierzynski historically has had success against Blue Jays starter Mark Buehrle, going 9-for-22 (.409) in his career against the lefty.
Check out the full lineups for both teams below.
Boston Red Sox (20-25)
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Shane Victorino, RF
David Ortiz, DH
Jonny Gomes, LF
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Mike Carp, 1B
Brock Holt, 3B
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Jon Lester, LHP (4-5, 2.67 ERA)
Toronto Blue Jays (25-22)
Jose Reyes, SS
Melky Cabrera, LF
Jose Bautista, RF
Edwin Encarnacion, 1B
Brett Lawrie, 3B
Dioner Navarro, C
Steve Tolleson, 2B
Kevin Pillar, DH
Anthony Gose, CF
Mark Buehrle, LHP (7-1, 2.11 ERA)
