The Panda is back.
Pablo Sandoval returns to the lineup Friday night, as the Boston Red Sox open a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Sandoval exited Tuesday’s contest before the sixth inning after being struck on the left foot by a Stephen Strasburg pitch in the third.
Fortunately, Sandoval’s injury — a left foot contusion — wasn’t too serious, sidelining him for only one game. Sandoval will man the hot corner and bat cleanup against the AL East rival O’s.
The Red Sox also have David Ortiz back for the series opener. The designated hitter had a routine day off Wednesday in the club’s 10-5 loss to the Washington Nationals, but Big Papi and his bat return Friday, meaning Mike Napoli is back at first base after DH’ing in the defeat.
Joe Kelly will make his second start of the season, looking for his second win. The right-hander impressed Saturday against the New York Yankees, allowing only one run on one hit over seven innings while striking out eight in the Red Sox’s 8-4 win. Baltimore, meanwhile, will hand the ball to Ubaldo Jimenez.
Check out both lineups below.
RED SOX (6-3)
Mookie Betts, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Hanley Ramirez, LF
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Shane Victorino, RF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Ryan Hanigan, C
ORIOLES (5-4)
Alejandro De Aza, LF
Steve Pearce, 1B
Travis Snider, RF
Adam Jones, CF
Chris Davis, DH
Manny Machado, 3B
Caleb Joseph, C
Everth Cabrera, SS
Jonathan Schoop, 2B
Thumbnail photo via Andy Marlin/USA TODAY Sports Images
