The Boston Red Sox limped home after a winless seven-game road trip, and they’ll start a homestand Friday night without David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia.
The two Red Sox veterans are out of Boston’s three-game series opener against the Detroit Tigers. Manager John Farrell told reporters Pedroia is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Ortiz is getting the night off.
Ortiz’s night off comes despite the fact he’s .370 (10-for-27) with two home runs against Detroit starter Justin Verlander. Pedroia, meanwhile, is 1-for-22 since returning from the disabled list after suffering the hamstring injury June 24.
With Ortiz sitting, Hanley Ramirez assumes the designated hitter role, which has suited him well in nine games this season. Ramirez has hit .333 with five home runs and 11 RBIs in the games he has been Boston’s DH.
Rick Porcello is on the mound for the Red Sox and will make his first career start against the Tigers, his former team.
Here are the lineups for both clubs.
RED SOX (42-54)
Mookie Betts, CF
Brock Holt, 2B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Hanley Ramirez, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Alejandro De Aza, LF
Shane Victorino, RF
Ryan Hanigan, C
Rick Porcello, RHP (5-10, 5.79 ERA)
TIGERS (47-48)
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Yoenis Cespedes, LF
Victor Martinez, DH,
J.D. Martinez, RF
Nick Castellanos, 3B
Alex Avila, C
Marc Krauss, 1B
Jose Iglesias, SS
Anthony Gose, CF
Justin Verlander, RHP (0-3, 6.62 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
