The Red Sox’s bats are in need of a wake-up call as Boston tries to salvage a series split against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday.
They will have to do so without the services of third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who has pneumonia. That means Brock Holt will get the start at third and bat seventh.
Left-hander Wade Miley will toe the rubber for the Red Sox. Miley has pitched well against the Rays this season, posting a 1-1 record with a 2.45 ERA in four starts. Ryan Hanigan will catch for Miley and bat eighth.
Here’s a look at the starting lineups for Thursday’s Red Sox-Rays contest.
RED SOX (72-79)
Mookie Betts, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
David Ortiz, DH
Travis Shaw, 1B
Rusney Castillo, LF
Brock Holt, 3B
Ryan Hanigan, C
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Wade Miley, LHP (11-10, 4.34 ERA)
RAYS (74-78)
Brandon Guyer, LF
Mikie Mahtook, DH
Evan Longoria, 3B
Logan Forsythe, 2B
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Steven Souza Jr., RF
Kevin Kiermaier, CF
Richie Shaffer, 1B
Luke Maile, C
Erasmo Ramirez, RHP (10-6, 3.70 ERA)
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
