The Boston Red Sox will trot out a revamped lineup for their series finale in Atlanta, with four of Wednesday’s starters beginning Thursday’s tilt on the bench.
Third baseman Pablo Sandoval was benched for the game after he admitted to checking his Instagram account during Wednesday’s 5-2 loss to the Braves. Starting in his place will be Travis Shaw, who was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket and has appeared in two career major league games.
Second baseman Dustin Pedroia also was held out of the starting lineup as he recovers from the sore knee that forced him to miss Tuesday’s game. Pedroia played Wednesday but struggled, going 0-for-5 and making multiple defensive errors.
Brock Holt shifts to second and moves into the leadoff spot in Pedroia’s absence, with center fielder Mookie Betts taking over in the No. 2 hole.
David Ortiz also returns to action after sitting out Wednesday. He’ll play first base in the National League ballpark.
Here are the full starting lineups for both teams:
RED SOX (28-39)
Brock Holt, 2B
Mookie Betts, CF
David Ortiz, 1B
Hanley Ramirez, LF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Alejandro De Aza, RF
Travis Shaw, 3B
Sandy Leon, C
Clay Buchholz, RHP (3-6, 4.22 ERA)
BRAVES (32-34)
Jace Peterson, 2B
Cameron Maybin, CF
Nick Markakis, RF
Juan Uribe, 3B
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Andrelton Simmons, SS
Kelly Johnson, 1B
Eury Perez, LF
Shelby Miller, RHP (5-2, 2.02 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images
