The Flyin’ Hawaiian is back in action.
Shane Victorino makes his return to the Boston Red Sox’s lineup Monday night, batting seventh and playing right field for the opener of a three-game series against the Oakland A’s.
Victorino has not appeared in a game for the Red Sox since suffering a hamstring injury April 22. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list and completed a minor league rehab assignment Sunday.
The Red Sox will hope Victorino’s return will help revitalize their struggling stable of right fielders. Hitters playing the position are batting a meager .121 this season — more than 30 points worse than the next-lowest position group.
Victorino himself struggled swinging the bat before his injury, posting a .143/.302/.171 slash line with zero home runs and two RBIs in 13 games. His return results in a small change at the bottom of Boston’s order, as shortstop Xander Bogaerts has been bumped down from seventh to eighth for Monday’s contest.
Catcher Blake Swihart also returns to the lineup after sitting out. He’ll bat ninth against A’s starter Scott Kazmir.
RED SOX (14-17)
Mookie Betts, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Hanley Ramirez, LF
Mike Napoli, 1B
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Shane Victorino, RF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Blake Swihart, C
Rick Porcello, RHP (3-2, 4.03 ERA)
ATHLETICSÂ (12-21)
Billy Burns, CF
Coco Crisp, LF
Josh Reddick, RF
Billy Butler, DH
Stephen Vogt, C
Ike Davis, 1B
Brett Lawrie, 3B
Marcus Semien, SS
Eric Sogard, 2B
Scott Kazmir, LHPÂ (2-1, 2.75 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports Images
