Mike Napoli Returns To Lineup; Xander Bogaerts Sits Vs. Mariners

The Boston Red Sox will look to end their six-game skid as they continue their three-game series against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park.

The Sox will look to rebound after the Mariners rallied for five runs with two outs in the ninth inning Friday night to beat Boston 5-3, and they’ll do so with Mike Napoli back in the lineup. The first baseman has missed the last three games with back spasms, but he’ll return to the diamond and bat fifth.

Meanwhile, Xander Bogaerts, who exited last night’s game after being drilled in the head by a Felix Hernandez pitch, will sit. The shortstop initially stayed in the game, but was pulled in the sixth inning to be evaluated for a concussion. After the game, Bogaerts told reporters he felt OK, but it appears the Sox are taking the cautious approach with him. Brock Holt will get the start at short and will leadoff for Boston.

Coming off one of his best starts of the season against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night, Brandon Workman will toe the rubber against Chris Young. Workman gave up just two runs on six hits over seven innings while striking out five, but Boston couldn’t provide him with much run support, as the Sox fell 4-2.

Check out both teams’ full lineups below.

Boston Red Sox (56-72)
Brock Holt, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Yoenis Cespedes, LF
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, RF
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Mookie Betts, CF
David Ross, C

Brandon Workman, RHP (1-7, 4.26 ERA)

Seattle Mariners (69-58)
Austin Jackson, CF
Dustin Ackley, LF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Kendrys Morales, 1B
Kyle Seager, 3B
Chris Denorfia, RF
Endy Chavez, DH
Chris Taylor, SS
Jesus Sucre, C

Chris Young, RHP (12-6, 3.07 ERA)