David Ortiz Returns For Red Sox’s Series Opener Vs. Rays; Travis Shaw Sits

Both participants in Monday night’s game at Tropicana Field will be looking to get off the schneid.

The Boston Red Sox, who have lost five of their last seven, begin a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who are in the midst of a brutal 11-game losing streak. The Sox will get a boost from the return of David Ortiz, who is back at designated hitter after getting Sunday off.

Travis Shaw will take a seat in favor of Marco Hernandez, who gets the start at third base and will bat ninth. Bryce Brentz remains in the lineup batting sixth, but will shift from third base to left field.

The Red Sox added a middle infield reinforcement Monday by calling up Mike Miller from Triple-A Pawtucket, but Xander Bogaerts and Dustin Pedroia both are in the starting lineup.

Sandy Leon is back behind the dish for the second consecutive game and will catch left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, who is seeking his first win since his first start of the season on May 31. The Rays will counter with rookie lefty Blake Snell.

Here are the full lineups for both teams.

RED SOX (41-34)
Mookie Betts, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
David Ortiz, DH
Hanley Ramirez, 1B
Jackie Bradley Jr., CF
Bryce Brentz, LF
Sandy Leon, C
Marco Hernandez, 3B

Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP (1-2, 6.41 ERA)

RAYS (31-43)
Logan Forsythe, 2B
Tim Beckham, SS
Evan Longoria, 3B
Logan Morrison, 1B
Desmond Jennings, CF
Oswaldo Arcia, RF
Taylor Motter, LF
Nick Franklin, DH
Curt Casali, C

Blake Snell, LHP (0-2, 2.40 ERA)

Thumbnail photo via Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports Images