The MLB non-waiver trade deadline passed with only one reported trade involving the Boston Red Sox. But there still are two key omissions from their lineup against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
Pablo Sandoval, who left Thursday’s win over the Chicago White Sox after being hit by a pitch, and Hanley Ramirez, who fouled a ball off his foot in the same game, are out of the Red Sox’s starting lineup in the series opener with the Rays at Fenway Park. Red Sox manager John Farrell said after Thursday’s game that both players are day to day.
That means Alejandro De Aza will start in left field and bat fifth, while Josh Rutledge will take over third base and bat ninth. The absence of Sandoval and Ramirez also means Mike Napoli will bat fourth.
On the mound for the Red Sox will be Eduardo Rodriguez, who lasted seven innings and allowed one earned run in his last outing against the Detroit Tigers. That came after he lasted just 1 2/3 innings in his previous start against the Los Angeles Angels.
Here are both teams’ lineups for Friday.
RED SOX (45-58)
Brock Holt, 2B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Alejandro De Aza, LF
Rusney Castillo, RF
Blake Swihart, C
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Josh Rutledge, 3B
Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP (6-3, 4.26 ERA)
RAYS (51-52)
Brandon Guyer, CF
Steven Souza Jr., RF
Evan Longoria, 3B
Logan Forsythe, 1B
Joey Butler, DH
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Tim Beckham, 2B
Mikie Mahtook, LF
Curt Casali, C
Erasmo Ramirez, RHP (8-4, 3.74 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
