Mike Carp is being rewarded for his walk-off heroics that powered the Boston Red Sox to a 4-3, 10-inning win over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night.
With Mike Napoli getting Friday night off, Carp will bat cleanup and start at first base as the Red Sox open their final series before the All-Star break, taking on the Astros in Houston.
Brock Holt, who had the walk-off winner Wednesday night against the White Sox, once again will bat leadoff for the Red Sox, but he’ll shift to right field as rookie Mookie Betts joins Napoli on the bench.
But one young player just replaces another young player, as 23-year-old Christian Vazquez is back in the lineup, catching John Lackey and batting ninth, after making his major league debut Wednesday. The 23-year-old catcher went 0-for-3 in his first start, but he’ll hope to record his first hit in the big leagues against Astros starter Scott Feldman.
Daniel Nava also will return to the diamond, taking over for Jonny Gomes in left field and batting fifth, while Jackie Bradley Jr. once again will man center and bat sixth.
Check out the full lineups below.
Boston Red Sox (41-51)
Brock Holt, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Carp, 1B
Daniel Nava, LF
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Xander Bogaerts, 3B
Stephen Drew, SS
Christian Vazquez, C
John Lackey, SP (9-6, 3.84)
UPDATE, 7:40 p.m.: Astros outfielder George Springer has been scratched from Friday’s lineup because of “general soreness,” according to Houston manager Bo Porter. Springer’s ailment stems from the rookie crashing into the outfield wall while making a sensational catch against the Texas Rangers.
Springer, who is hitting .238 with 19 homers and 50 RBIs this season, is considered by many to be an up-and-coming superstar, largely because of his immense power.
The Astros’ new lineup is below.
Houston Astros (39-54)
Jose Altuve, 2B
Jason Castro, C
Matt Dominguez, 3B
Jon Singleton, 1B
Chris Carter, DH
Robbie Grossman, CF
Enrique Hernandez, LF
Marwin Gonzalez, SS
L.J. Hoes, RF
Scott Feldman, RHP (4-5, 3.86 ERA)
UPDATE, 8:10 p.m.: The official word from the Astros regarding George Springer is that he’s dealing with right knee discomfort. Springer is listed as day-to-day.
