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BOSTON — Shane Victorino is back.
Victorino, who was activated from the disabled list before Friday’s game, returns to the Red Sox’s starting lineup Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park. The 34-year-old will play right field and bat eighth for Boston’s Fourth of July showdown with the Houston Astros.
Victorino hasn’t played since May 23 because of a calf injury. He’s been limited to 20 games so far this season and played in just 30 games all of last season because of various injuries. But the Red Sox certainly could use his energy and defensive aptitude. He’s expected to split time in right field with Alejandro De Aza moving forward.
Sandy Leon will catch and bat ninth with Clay Buchholz on the mound for Boston. Ryan Hanigan started the last two games upon returning from the DL, but Leon has developed a good rapport with Buchholz.
The complete lineups for Saturday’s Red Sox-Astros matchup are below.
RED SOX (37-45)
Mookie Betts, CF
Brock Holt, 2B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
David Ortiz, DH
Hanley Ramirez, LF
Pablo Sandoval, 3B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Shane Victorino, RF
Sandy Leon, C
Clay Buchholz, RHP (6-6, 3.48 ERA)
ASTROS (48-34)
Jose Altuve, 2B
Preston Tucker, LF
Carlos Correa, SS
Luis Valbuena, 3B
Evan Gattis, DH
Colby Rasmus, CF
Jon Singleton, 1B
Hank Conger, C
Alex Presley, RF
Collin McHugh, RHP (9-3, 4.51 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
