It’s been an eventful few days to say the least in Red Sox nation.
As Thursday’s 4 p.m. MLB trade deadline approaches, Boston has already dealt pitcher Jake Peavy to the San Francisco Giants and reportedly sent righthander Felix Doubront to the Chicago Cubs, while trade rumors surrounding ace Jon Lester continue to fly.
The Sox still have a game to play against the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday night, though, and their best hitter will not be in the lineup.
No, David Ortiz is not getting traded. Ortiz will get the night off with lefthander Mark Buehrle taking the mound for Jays. Taking his place in the designated hitter spot will be Mike Napoli, who will bat fourth after sitting out Tuesday’s contest.
Mike Carp will return to the bench, meaning that utilityman Brock Holt will assume first base duties and bat leadoff. Shane Victorino will be back in the lineup, batting second and playing right field.
Jonny Gomes will get the start in left field batting fifth, while Christian Vazquez will bat ninth and catch for righthander Brandon Workman, who was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket to start in Lester’s place.
Check out both lineups below.
Boston Red Sox (48-59)
Brock Holt, 1B
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, DH
Jonny Gomes, LF
Stephen Drew, SS
Xander Bogaerts, 3B
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Christian Vazquez, C
Brandon Workman, RHP (1-3, 4.13 ERA)
Toronto Blue Jays (58-50)
Jose Reyes, SS
Melky Cabrera, LF
Jose Bautista, 1B
Dioner Navarro, C
Juan Francisco, DH
Colby Rasmus, CF
Munenori Kawasaki, 3B
Ryan Goins, 2B
Anthony Gose, RF
Mark Buerhle, LHP (10-7, 3.19 ERA)
