Pablo Sandoval said he didn’t expect to miss much time after taking a fastball to the knee, but he will sit out at least one game.
The Boston Red Sox third baseman won’t start Wednesday night versus the Texas Rangers after he left Tuesday’s game in the seventh inning after taking a pitch to the knee from Texas reliever Sam Freeman.
Sandoval will be replaced in the lineup by Brock Holt, who will hit seventh and play third base. Additionally, Daniel Nava will get the start in right field in place of Shane Victorino with right-hander Phil Klein on the mound for the Rangers.
No one in the Red Sox’s starting lineup has faced Klein before. The 26-year-old is making his first career start after logging six relief appearances this season — and 23 for his career. The 6-foot-7, 260-pound righty only made four starts over parts of five seasons in the minors.
Joe Kelly makes the start for the Red Sox. Kelly was effective his last time out, allowing just one run over 6 1/3 innings against the Seattle Mariners. Kelly took a no decision and is still looking for his first win since April 11, his first start of the season.
Here are the lineups for both clubs.
Red Sox (19-20)
Mookie Betts, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Hanley Ramirez, LF
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, RF
Brock Holt, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Blake Swihart, C
Joe Kelly, RHP (1-2, 5.58 ERA)
Rangers (16-23)
Shin-Soo Choo, RF
Delino Deshields, LF
Prince Fielder, DH
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Mitch Moreland, 1B
Elvis Andrus, SS
Leonys Martin, CF
Robinson Chirinos, C
Thomas Field, 2B
Phil Klein, RHP (0-0, 7.71 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
