Brock Holt’s grand tour around the diamond continues.
The Boston Red Sox utility man, who spent the first six games of the team’s abysmal road trip in the outfield, will start at first base Wednesday night in the finale of a three-game series with the Seattle Mariners — the first time he has seen action at the position since June 7.
Holt was one of the few bright spots for the Red Sox in an 8-2 loss to the Mariners on Tuesday night, going 2-for-5 with a two-run homer out of the leadoff spot. Everyday first baseman Mike Napoli, who also had two hits in the loss, is dealing with given the night off.
UPDATE (8:06 p.m.): Manager John Farrell told reporters before the game that Napoli is dealing with some lingering soreness in his toe. He’ll be available to pinch-hit if needed.
Elsewhere in the lineup, Daniel Nava jumps up to the No. 2 hole for the first time since April 18, hitting in the spot that Xander Bogaerts until recently had occupied. Bogaerts, who has seen his average drop by more than 40 points (to .260) since the beginning of the month, was bumped down to seventh in the order for Tuesday’s game and remains there for the finale.
Wednesday’s game also marks the return of right-hander Clay Buchholz, who is making his first start since May 26. Left-handed reliever Chris Capuano was designated for assignment to make room for Buchholz on the active roster.
See the full starting lineups for both teams below.
Boston Red Sox (35-43)
Brock Holt, 1B
Daniel Nava, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Jonny Gomes, LF
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Xander Bogaerts, 3B
Stephen Drew, SS
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Clay Buchholz, RHP (2-4, 7.02 ERA)
Seattle Mariners (42-36)
Endy Chaves, DH
James Jones, CF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Kyle Seager, 3B
Logan Morrison, 1B
Mike Zunino, C
Dustin Ackley, LF
Brad Miller, SS
Stefen Romero, RF
Hisashi Iwakuma, RHP (5-3, 3.04 ERA)
