After playing both left and right field in Monday night’s win over the Minnesota Twins, Brock Holt will make his first career start in center field as the Boston Red Sox try to win their first series since sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this month.
Holt is riding a hot bat and will be in the leadoff spot again Tuesday night. He has reached base in 17 of his last 18 games despite going hitless Monday. Jackie Bradley Jr. — whose .580 OPS is worst among qualifying American League outfielders — will sit, while Grady Sizemore has been designated for assignment.
Third baseman Garin Cecchini was called up for the second time this season, but he was not in the lineup Tuesday.
Jonny Gomes will start in left and bat seventh after sitting Monday.
Meanwhile, David Ross will do the catching for Jon Lester and bat ninth. Lester will try to build on his strong performance against Cleveland on Thursday, when he pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowed one earned run and got the win.
Here are the rest of the lineups.
Boston Red Sox (32-38)
Brock Holt, CF
Xander Bogaerts, 3B
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, RF
Jonny Gomes, LF
Stephen Drew, SS
David Ross, C
Jon Lester, LHP (7-7, 3.33 ERA)
Minnesota Twins (32-36)
Danny Santana, SS
Brian Dozier, 2B
Joe Mauer, 1B
Josh Willingham, LF
Kendrys Morales, DH
Oswaldo Arcia, RF
Kurt Suzuki, C
Eduardo Escobar, 3B
Sam Fuld, CF
Phil Hughes, RHPÂ (7-2, 3.17 ERA)
